System and method for providing wireless power transfer functionality to an electrical device

ABSTRACT

An electrical device includes a host charger power management integrated circuit wired to a battery, a wired power input comprising a first VOUT and GND pair of power connectors wired to a first pair of charging inputs of the host charger power management integrated circuit, a wireless power port for conductively connecting with a retrofittable wireless power receiver, said wireless power port comprising a second VOUT and GND pair of power connectors wired to a second pair of charging inputs of the host charger power management integrated circuit; and a power DISABLE connector for communicating a DISABLE signal to disable charging.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of PCT application Serial No.PCT/IL2012/050544 filed Dec. 20, 2012 which claims the benefit of U.S.provisional Application Nos. 61/578,348 filed Dec. 21, 2011; 61/598/697filed Feb. 14, 2012; 61/655,775 filed Jun. 5, 2012; 61/673,844 filedJul. 20, 2012; and 61/699,876 filed Sep. 12, 2012, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. Thisapplication is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/883,457 filed Sep. 16, 2010 which is a continuation of PCTapplication Serial No. PCT/IL2008/001641 filed Dec. 18, 2008, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. Nos. 61/064,618filed Mar. 17, 2008; 61/071,151 filed Apr. 15, 2008; 61/129,526 filedJul. 2, 2008; 61/129,859 filed Jul. 24, 2008; and 61/129,970 filed Aug.4, 2008 the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in theirentirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure herein relates to inductive power transfer. In particularthe disclosure relates to wireless power receivers for enablingelectrical devices to receive power inductively.

BACKGROUND

Power packs are often used to power mobile devices, such as cellulartelephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), media players and thelike. Typically, power packs include rechargeable electrochemical cellsor batteries, which are charged using a dedicated charger unit drawingpower from some power source such as the mains or a vehicle battery andwhich may be external or internal to the device.

Charger units powered from mains or power lines usually consist of abulky plug box, containing a step-down transformer and a rectifier, withconducting pins for connecting to the mains socket. When in use, theplug box is plugged into a mains socket and a trailing cord connects tothe device via a connecting plug. If the trailing wire is snagged orjerked the wire and connectors may be damaged or the device may bepulled to the ground. Moreover, the trailing wire itself is inconvenientand unsightly particularly where a number of devices are charged from acommon power socket and the trailing wires may become entangled. Thuswireless power charging is desirable

SUMMARY

Wireless charging is gaining in popularity. Current receiver productsare mostly aftermarket products, retrofitted on existing products in themarket. As such, these products have certain limitations. For example,some receivers may be unable to interact seemlessly with device userinterface (UI) and others may be limited in mechanical and industrialdesign by point of contact limitations.

Industry standards tend to address certain technological aspects ofwireless charging, but do not generally address how the technology maybe integrated into consumer electronic products. One aim of the currentdisclosure is to provide a standard manner by which wireless chargingfunctionality may be integrated into consumer devices such assmartphones, tablets, computers, ultrabooks and the like. Accordingly, awireless charging card, or the like, may be provided for consumerdevices and a device socket may be integrated into devices toaccommodate the wireless charging card.

According to one aspect of the current disclosure, a system is presentedfor providing inductive power reception functionality to at least onehost device. The system comprises a wireless power receiver configuredto be accommodated by a wireless power port associated with said hostdevice, said wireless power receiver comprising a secondary inductoroperable to couple inductively with a primary inductor connected to apower source via a driver; a reception circuit operable to controlinductive power transfer from the primary inductor to the host device;and at least one first electrical contact upon said support platform,wherein the first electrical contact is configured to form a conductiveconnection with a corresponding second electrical contact incorporatedin said wireless power port of the host device.

In certain embodiments, the reception circuit comprises: (a) a firsthalf-wave rectifier having one anode wired to a first output terminaland one cathode wired to a first input terminal; (b) a second half-waverectifier having one anode wired to said first output terminal and onecathode wired to a second input terminal; (c) a third half-waverectifier having one anode wired to said first input terminal and onecathode wired to a second output terminal; and (d) a fourth half-waverectifier having one anode wired to said second input terminal and onecathode wired to said second output terminal; the full-wave rectifierfor providing an output of constant polarity from an input of variablepolarity, wherein at least one half-wave rectifier comprises acurrent-triggered synchro-rectifier comprising an electronic switchconfigured such that when current flowing through the cathode of theelectronic switch exceeds a predetermined threshold, a current-basedsignal triggers the electronic switch to the ON state.

In certain embodiments, the electronic switch comprises: a MOSFET devicethat comprises a source terminal, a drain terminal and a gate terminal;a half-wave rectifier in parallel with said MOSFET device, wired to thesource terminal and the drain terminal of the MOSFET device, and acurrent monitor configured to monitor a drain-current flowing throughthe drain terminal and to send a gate signal to said gate terminal, suchthat said MOSFET is switched to its ON state when said drain-currentexceeds a first threshold current and said MOSFET is switched to its OFFstate when said drain-current falls below a second threshold current.

In certain embodiments, the current monitor comprises a currenttransformer.

In certain embodiments, the first half-wave rectifier comprises saidcurrent-triggered synchro-rectifier, and the second half-wave rectifiercomprises said current-triggered synchro-rectifier.

In certain embodiments, at least one half-wave rectifier comprises anelectronic switch configured to be switched between its ON and OFFstates in synchrony with the frequency of the input signal.

In certain embodiments, said first half-wave rectifier comprises a firstelectronic switch configured to be in its ON state when the currentflowing through its cathode exceeds a predetermined threshold; (b) saidsecond half-wave rectifiers comprises a second electronic switchconfigured to be in its ON state when the current flowing through itscathode exceeds a predetermined threshold; (c) said third half-waverectifiers comprises a third electronic switch configured to be switchedbetween its ON and OFF states in phase with the voltage signal at saidsecond input terminal, and (d) said fourth half-wave rectifierscomprises a third electronic switch configured to be switched betweenits ON and OFF states in phase with the voltage signal at said firstinput terminal.

In certain embodiments, the wireless power receiver may comprise a card,a cartridge, an insert or the like. Optionally, the wireless powerreceiver may comprise a rigid material. In some embodiments, thewireless power receiver has a generally rectangular dimensions.

In certain embodiments, the wireless power receiver is conductivelyconnected to the host device only through said first electrical contact.

In certain embodiments, the wireless power receiver and the wirelesspower port are configured such that the wireless power port isinsertable into and removable from the host device. Optionally, thewireless power port is configured such that wireless power port isinsertable into and removable from the host device without disassemblingthe host device.

Where appropriate, the reception circuit may comprise a rectificationunit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).Additionally or alternatively, the reception circuit may furthercomprise a memory storing an identification code. The reception circuitmay be further configured to manage communication with an external powersource.

In various embodiments, the system may further include at least onemagnetic shield for guiding magnetic flux away from electricalcomponents of the host device.

Where required, the system may include at least two electrical contactsconfigured to from a conductive path for providing direct current powersupply to the electrical device. Additionally or alternatively, thesystem may include at least one electrical contact is configured toprovide a path for communication signals between the reception circuitand the electrical device.

Optionally, the system may enable still more functionality. For examplethe system may additionally or alternatively comprise a near fieldcommunication circuit. Accordingly, the near filed communication circuitmay comprise a data reception circuit and may further comprise a datatransmission circuit.

In certain embodiments, the system may further comprising a near fieldcommunication antenna wherein said near field communication circuit maybe connected to said near field connection antenna.

In certain embodiments, the near field communication circuit may beconnected to the secondary inductor such that the secondary inductor iscapable of functioning as a near field communication antenna.

In certain embodiments, the secondary inductor may be configured to beconnectable to a near field communication circuit in said host device.

In some embodiments the system may be configured as a retrofittableinductive power receiver unit.

In another aspect of the disclosure an electrical device is presentedcomprising an wireless power port configured to accommodate aretrofittable inductive power receiver comprising a secondary inductorincorporated therein; and at least one electrical contact thereupon.

Optionally, the wireless power port comprises at least one electricalcontact configured to couple with the electrical contact thereby forminga conductive path between the retrofittable inductive power receiver andthe electrical device.

In various embodiments, the wireless power port may further comprise atleast one electrical contact operable to receive communication signalsfrom the retrofittable inductive power receiver. Alternatively, oradditionally, the wireless power port may comprise at least oneconnecting pin having a first connector and a second connector, thefirst connector configured to connect to a connector of a power pack ofa and the second connector configured to connect to the retrofittableinductive power receiver unit.

In still another aspect, a method is taught for providing inductivepower reception functionality to at least one host device, said methodcomprising: obtaining a host device comprising a wireless power portconfigured to accommodate a wireless power receiver; obtaining saidwireless power receiver comprising a secondary inductor; a receptioncircuit; and at least one first electrical contact; and introducing saidwireless power receiver into said wireless power port of said hostdevice such that said at least one first electrical contact conductivelyconnects with at least one corresponding second electrical contactincorporated into said wireless power port.

Another method is taught for providing inductive power receptionfunctionality to at least one host device, said method comprisingproviding an electrical device comprising a wireless power portconfigured to accommodate a wireless power receiver comprising asecondary inductor incorporated into said support platform; and at leastone electrical contact.

It is noted that in order to implement the methods or systems of thedisclosure, various tasks may be performed or completed manually,automatically, or combinations thereof. Moreover, according to selectedinstrumentation and equipment of particular embodiments of the methodsor systems of the disclosure, some tasks may be implemented by hardware,software, firmware or combinations thereof using an operating system.For example, hardware may be implemented as a chip or a circuit such asan ASIC, integrated circuit or the like. As software, selected tasksaccording to embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented as aplurality of software instructions being executed by a computing deviceusing any suitable operating system.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, one or more tasks as describedherein may be performed by a data processor, such as a computingplatform or distributed computing system for executing a plurality ofinstructions. Optionally, the data processor includes or accesses avolatile memory for storing instructions, data or the like. Additionallyor alternatively, the data processor may access a non-volatile storage,for example, a magnetic hard-disk, flash-drive, removable media or thelike, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a networkconnection may additionally or alternatively be provided. User interfacedevices may be provided such as visual displays, audio output devices,tactile outputs and the like. Furthermore, as required user inputdevices may be provided such as keyboards, cameras, microphones,accelerometers, motion detectors or pointing devices such as mice,roller balls, touch pads, touch sensitive screens or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the embodiments and to show how it may becarried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way ofexample, to the accompanying drawings.

With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressedthat the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes ofillustrative discussion of selected embodiments only, and are presentedin the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful andreadily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects.In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details in moredetail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding; thedescription taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled inthe art how the several selected embodiments may be put into practice.In the accompanying drawings:

FIGS. 1A-C schematically represent various views of an example of awireless power receiver card; FIG. 1A shows a bottom view of thereof;FIG. 1B shows a side view thereof; FIG. 1C shows an exploded viewthereof;

FIG. 2A is a block diagram representing selected components of oneembodiment of a wireless power receiver configured to transfer powerfrom an wireless power outlet to an electrical load;

FIG. 2B is a block diagram representing selected components of anotherembodiment of a wireless power receiver configured to transfer powerfrom an inductive power outlet to an electrical load and to provide anear field communication channel;

FIG. 2C is a block diagram representing selected components of anotherembodiment of a wireless power receiver configured to transfer powerfrom an inductive power outlet to an electrical load and to provide anear field communication channel, where one antenna serves as both thesecondary inductor and the NFC antenna;

FIG. 2D is a block diagram representing selected components of anotherembodiment of a wireless power receiver configured to transfer powerfrom an inductive power outlet to an electrical load and to provide anear field communication channel, where one antenna serves as both thesecondary inductor and the NFC antenna and the NFC circuit is located inthe host device;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a first synchronous full-wave rectifiercomprising two electronic switches;

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of a second synchronous full-wave rectifieraccording to an exemplary embodiment of the comprising four electronicswitches;

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing a current-triggered Power MOSFETwhich draws a gate signal from the current flowing through its drainterminal;

FIG. 4C is a graphical representation of the variations in drain-currentand state of the MOSFET of FIG. 3b , over a single cycle of a sinusoidalinput voltage, and

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram representing a synchronous full-wave MOSFETbridge rectifier according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an example of a wireless power receiver cardprovided to enable a host computer to receive power inductively;

FIG. 7 shows a wireless power receiver card provided to enable a mobiletelephone to receive power inductively;

FIGS. 8A-C show various views schematically representing anotherembodiment of a wireless power receiver card;

FIGS. 9A and 9B schematically represent an oblique view and an explodedview of one embodiment of an electrical contact apparatus for connectingembodiments of a wireless power receiver to a host device;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing selected actions of a method forproviding wireless power reception functionality to a host device;

FIGS. 11A-G shows possible form factors for another embodiment of thewireless power receiver;

FIGS. 12A-E schematically represents how a wireless power receiver maybe accommodated by a wireless power port incorporated into a hostdevice;

FIG. 13 shows another possible form factor for another embodiment of thewireless power receiver; and

FIGS. 14A-E show a further possible form factor for still anotherembodiment of the wireless power receiver and the electrical contactapparatus.

FIGS. 15A-C show a further possible form factor for still anotherembodiment of the wireless power receiver and the electrical contactapparatus.

FIGS. 16A-C show a further possible form factor for still anotherembodiment of the wireless power receiver.

FIG. 17A schematically represents the positioning of a wireless powerreceiver inserted into a wireless power port of a host device.

FIG. 17B shows a wireless power receiver inserted into a wireless powerport of a host device.

FIGS. 18A-B show a possible form factor of an electrical contact device.

FIG. 19 shows a wireless power receiver inserted into a wireless powerport of a host device.

FIGS. 20A-C schematically represents the positioning of a wireless powerreceiver inserted into a wireless power port in the back cover of a hostdevice.

FIGS. 20D-E show a possible form factor of an adapter plug.

FIG. 20F shows a back cover of a host device having a wireless powerport.

FIG. 21A schematically represents the electrical integration between ahost device and a wireless power receiver (“WiCC”) that is used as asingle power source for the host device.

FIG. 21B schematically represents the electrical integration between ahost device and a wireless power receiver (“WiCC”) that is used as thesole power source for the host device, which incorporates a wirelesspower port (“slot connector”) for the WiCC.

FIG. 21C schematically represents the electrical integration between ahost device and a wireless power receiver (“WiCC”), where the hostdevice has two separate charging inputs.

FIG. 21D schematically represents the electrical integration between ahost device and a wireless power receiver (“WiCC”), where the hostdevice have two input connectors and two charger IC units.

FIG. 21E schematically represents the electrical integration between ahost device and a wireless power receiver (“WiCC”), where the hostdevice includes a charger IC that has a single charging supply, and twoinputs are supported through a logic power switch

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods forenabling electrical devices (“host devices”) to receive powerwirelessly. In particular, wireless power receivers are disclosed whichmay be introduced into host devices as inserts, such as cards,cartridges and the like. The wireless power receiver of the disclosuremay also be referred to as “retrofittable wireless power receiver”,“retrofittable wireless power receiver card”, “wireless power receivercard”, “slot card”, “wireless charging card” or “WiCC”. In certainembodiments where the wireless power reception is through an inductivemechanism, the wireless power receiver may be referred to as “inductivepower receiver card”, “retrofittable inductive power receiver”,“inductive power receiver” or “retrofittable inductive power receivercard”.

The wireless power receiver may be retrofittable. “Retrofittable”, asused in the present disclosure, means that the wireless power receiverand the wireless power port may be configured such that the wirelesspower port is insertable into and removable from the host device.

“Insertable”, as used in the present disclosure, means that the wirelesspower receiver may be inserted into, and conductively connected to, thehost device by a typical user of the host device.

“Removable”, as used in the present disclosure, means that the wirelesspower receiver may be removed from, and conductively disconnected, thehost device by a typical user of the host device.

The wireless power port may be configured such that wireless power portis insertable into and removable from the host device withoutdisassembling the host device, e.g., through an opening or slot presentin the exterior of the host device. Alternatively, disassembly that canbe conducted by a typically user of the host device, e.g., removing theback cover, may be required for inserting or removing the wireless powerreceiver.

The host device may be an electrical device having, or is connectableto, a wireless power port that is configured to accommodate one or moreof said wireless power receivers. The wireless power receiver may beconductively connected to the host device only through said firstelectrical contact.

Variously, the electrical device may be selected from a group consistingof: desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, remote control units,telephones, media players, PDAs, Walkmans, portable music players,dictaphones, portable DVD players, mobile communications devices,calculators, mobile phones, smartphones, hairdryers, shavers,defoliators, delapidators, wax-melting equipment, hair curlers, beardtrippers, lights, radios, electric knives, cassette players, CD playersand the like.

Furthermore, host devices are disclosed incorporating one or morewireless power ports configured to accommodate one or more of saidwireless power receivers.

The wireless power port may include a space available for the insertionof an wireless power receiver card and at least securing mechanism forsecuring the wireless power receiver card in place. The wireless powerport may further include least one electrical contact unit for data andpower transmission between the wireless power receiver card and the hostdevice via a conductive electrical connection. Alternatively, thewireless power port may position the wireless power receiver card suchthat it can form a conductive connection (via one or more electricalcontacts) with the electrical contact unit of the host device.

The system may be operable to utilize various wireless power receptionmethods such as tightly coupled inductive power transfer, looselycoupled inductive power transfer, capacitive power transfer, conductivepower transfer or the like. Optionally, an inductive power enablingsystem may provide inductive power reception functionality to at leastone host device by introducing a retrofittable unit such as a card intothe host device. The retrofittable unit may include a rigid platform,for example fashioned from a plastic or some other insulating material,supporting a secondary inductor operable to couple inductively with aprimary inductor and thereby to provide power to the host device, areception circuit operable to control inductive power transfer from theprimary inductor to the host device; and electrical contacts configuredto align with a corresponding electrical contacts in a host device.

It is noted that the systems and methods of the disclosure herein maynot be limited in its application to the details of construction and thearrangement of the components or methods set forth in the description orillustrated in the drawings and examples. The systems and methods of thedisclosure may be capable of other embodiments or of being practiced orcarried out in various ways.

Alternative methods and materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodimentsof the disclosure. Nevertheless, particular methods and materials aredescribed herein for illustrative purposes only. The materials, methods,and examples are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-C showing an example of aretrofittable wireless power receiver 100. The wireless power receiver100 may be used to enable electrical devices (“host devices”) to receivepower wirelessly, for example, inductively. FIG. 1A shows a bottom view,FIG. 1B shows a side view and FIG. 1C shows an exploded view of such awireless power receiver unit 100.

The wireless power receiver 100 includes a secondary inductor 120, andan array of electrical contacts 130. The wireless power receiver 100 maybe a card or the like fashioned from a rigid material. For example, thewireless power receiver 100 may include a rigid base 116 sandwichedbetween to laminating layers 112, 114. The rigid base 116 may provide asubstrate onto which electronic elements, such as the secondary inductor120, reception circuit 150, communication antennas, connecting wires andthe like, may be fashioned. The laminating layers 112, 114 may provideelectrical insulation, magnetic shielding, heat dissipationfunctionality or the like as required.

The secondary inductor 120, such as a coil or the like, which may beprinted or otherwise incorporated onto the wireless power receiver 100,may be operable to inductively couple with a primary inductor of aninductive power outlet thereby receiving power inductively therefrom.

The electrical contacts 130 are provided for conductively connecting theretrofittable wireless power receiver 100 with a host device.Accordingly, power received by the secondary inductor 120 from aninductive power outlet may be transferred may be transferred to the hostdevice. Optionally, a plurality of electrical contacts may form aplurality of conductive channels providing various functions such aspower transfer, data transfer, communication signal transfer and thelike.

It is a particular feature of the retrofittable wireless power receiver100 that it may have standard dimensions such that it may be introducedinto a variety of corresponding wireless power ports of a plurality ofhost devices and the electrical contacts 130 connect with correspondingelectrical contacts within the host device.

Where appropriate, the wireless power receiver may be coated with anadhesive layer to support its location in the host device and to ensurea good connection therewith.

The host device may be configured to periodically query the presence ofthe wireless power receiver. The host device may be configured toautomatically detect and establish a functional connection with a newlyinserted wireless power receiver while the host device is on (known as“hot swapping”). Alternatively, the host device may be required to shutdown before connecting with the retrofittable wireless power receiver.

It is particularly noted that the wireless power receiver may befashioned having a width and a length of substantially standarddimensions, a pair of longer edges and pair of shorter edges, and aconnector portion disposed along one of the edges and having a connectorfor electrically connecting the wireless power receiver to the hostdevice connector.

Optionally the wireless power receiver may have a wrong insertionpreventing structure for preventing insertion of the wireless powerreceiver into the host device connector in an orientation other than theconnector portion of the wireless power receiver. A host deviceconnector for receiving the connector portion of the wireless powerreceiver may have a wrong insertion preventing structure for preventingfurther insertion of the wireless power receiver card by cooperatingwith the card when the wireless power receiver is inserted in anincorrect orientation. A connecting system may include the wirelesspower receiver and the host device connector including the describedfeatures.

It is further noted that a thermally conducting element may be providedas a heat sink for heat removal. Indeed, according to certainembodiments, a thermally conducting magnetic shielding material mayitself and perform both functions.

The present disclosure provides a universal wireless power portcompatible with a variety of devices. Accordingly, manufacturers ofelectrical devices may provide wireless power reception ready deviceswithout having to provide the electronic elements associated withwireless power receivers. A user of a wireless power reception readydevice may choose to add wireless power reception functionality to thedevice by introducing the retrofittable wireless power receiver to thehost device.

It is further noted that the wireless power receiver may be furtherprovided with a reception circuit 150, possibly as part of an integratedcircuit incorporated therein. The reception circuit 150 may include arectifier, a regulator and the like such as described at least in theapplicants co-pending applications PCT/IL2010/000640, PCT/IL2010/000759and PCT/IL2011/000550 all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

An integrated circuit (IC), for example, may be provided for aninductive or resonance wireless power receiver for connecting to a hostdevice connector.

Referring now to the block diagram of FIG. 2A selected components areshown of one embodiment of a wireless power receiver 100 configured totransfer power from an wireless power outlet 200 to an electrical load340.

It is noted that power may be delivered to various electrical loads 340such as to charge internal power storage units of the host device 350,such as power packs, electrochemical cells, capacitors, supercapacitorsand the like. Alternatively, it is noted that the electrical load 340may be an electronic component such as screens, integrated circuits,speakers, motors, sensors and the like, with the power from the wirelesspower receiver 100 being delivered directly to the electrical load 340for its operation.

The wireless power receiver includes a secondary inductor 120, areception circuit 150 and electrical contacts 130. The wireless powerreceiver 100 is configured to couple with a host device 350. The hostdevice 350 includes a wireless power port 300 having an electricalcontact unit 330. Where appropriate, electrical contact units 130, 330may include power transmission contacts for providing a power channel aswell as data contacts for providing a signal transfer channel for usepassing control signals.

It is noted that the wireless power port 300 may be provided in the hostdevice by a manufacturer to enable a user to add wireless power transferfunctionality to the host device after purchase. Optionally the wirelesspower port may have additional contacts providing other communicationchannels. This may allow the wireless power port to additionally serveas a communications port, a memory port or the like as well ascombinations thereof, as required. Accordingly, the wireless power portmay be a universal multifunctional port saving space in the host device.

The wireless power outlet 200 includes a primary inductor 220, which iswired, via a driving unit 230, to a power supply 240, such as the mainsor a vehicle battery for example. The driving unit 230 is configured toprovide an oscillating driving voltage to the primary inductor 220. Aswill be described below, in certain embodiments, the oscillating drivingvoltage may be selected to be at a frequency other than the resonantfrequency of the inductive coupling system.

In operation, the secondary inductor 120 of the wireless power receiver100 is operable to couple inductively with the primary inductor 220 andto receive power therefrom. Optionally the secondary inductor 120 may bealigned to the primary inductor 220 allowing for strong couplingtherebetween. Accordingly, the wireless power port 300 may be locatedadjacent or close to the casing of the host device 350 such that thesecondary inductor 120 may be brought into proximity with the primaryinductor when the host device 350 is rested upon or otherwise broughtinto the vicinity of an wireless power outlet 200.

Additionally or alternatively, the secondary inductor 120 may beconfigured to loosely couple with the primary inductor 220 is notaligned thereto. For example, power transmission at the resonantfrequency of the system may allow for power to be transmitted overlarger ranges.

The secondary inductor 120 of the wireless power receiver 100 maycomprise an induction coil or the like configured to inductively couplewith a primary inductor 220. It is noted that a magnetic flux guide maybe provided to direct magnetic flux from the primary inductor 220 to thesecondary inductor 320 and to reduce flux leakage to the surroundings.Where appropriate, the wireless power receiver unit 100 may furtherinclude a magnetic shield for guiding magnetic flux away from electricalcomponents of the host device 350.

A thin magnetic flux guide may be constructed from amorphousferromagnetic material for example, which may be a few microns thick.Such a magnetic flux guide may be provided to shield an electrochemicalcell as well as the host device from undesirable eddy currents withintheir conductive components. Certain embodiments may use ferromagneticflux guiding material with a thickness of about 20 microns or so, which,when laminated by a polymer laminate on both sides may have an overallthickness of around 60 microns, for example. Various methods forfabricating magnetic guiding elements from amorphous ferromagneticmaterial include, inter alia: printing, stamping, cutting, amorphousferromagnetic microwire cloth and the like.

As noted hereinabove, the wireless power receiver may be furtherprovided with a reception circuit 150, possibly as part of an integratedcircuit incorporated therein. The reception circuit may include arectifier, a regulator and the like such as described at least in theApplicant's co-pending applications PCT/IL2010/000640, PCT/IL2010/000759and PCT/IL2011/000550 all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Accordingly, the reception circuit 150 of the wireless power receiver100 may be operable to modify, filter, regulate or to otherwise controlinductive power transfer to the electrical load 340. The receptioncircuit 150 may include a rectification unit for converting AC(alternating current) voltage output from the secondary inductor 120 toDC (direct current) for supply to the host device. It is noted that therectification unit may be particularly useful where the wireless powerreceiver is used to charge a power storage unit of the host device thatrequires DC input.

It is a particular feature of embodiments of the wireless power receiver100 that it may be operable to manage communication between the electricload 340 and the wireless power outlet 200. Accordingly, in variousembodiments the reception circuit 130 may be configured to perform avariety of functions including, but not limited by: rectification ofalternating current (AC) generated by the secondary inductor 120 intodirect current (DC) for charging an electrochemical cell; regulating thecharging voltage across an electrochemical cell; regulating the chargingcurrent to an electrochemical cell; regulating the temperature of anelectrochemical cell for example by controlling the charging current;sending feedback signals to the primary inductor; controlling the energytransfer from the wireless power outlet 200; automatically terminatingthe charging process; automatically disconnecting an electrochemicalcell from the electric load 400; detecting faults; prevention of deepdischarge of the electromechanical cell; andsynchronization/communication with battery pack electronics.

Such functionality may be provided by the incorporation of anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC) onto the wireless powerreceiver. Furthermore, an internal memory may be provided for storingdata such as identification codes, historical data, referenceparameters, operational data and the like. Optionally the receptioncircuit 130 may be further configured to manage communication with anexternal power source.

Referring now to the block diagram of FIG. 2B, selected components areshown of another embodiment of a wireless power receiver 100′. Thewireless power receiver 100′ is configured to transfer power from anwireless power outlet 200 to an electrical load 340′ and to additionallyprovide a near field communication channel to a communication unit 345′of the host device 350′.

Accordingly, the wireless power receiver 100′ may include a secondaryinductor 120′, a reception circuit 150′ such as described herinabove, aswell as an NFC antenna 140′ and an NFC circuit 160′. The NFC circuit160′ may comprise a data reception circuit and may further comprise adata transmission circuit. It is noted that the wireless power receiver100′ may further include two sets of electrical contacts with the hostdevice 350′: (1) power contacts 132′ configured to couple withcorresponding power contacts 332′ at the wireless power port 300′ of thehost device 350′, for providing a power channel to the electrical load340′; and (2) data contacts 134′ configured to couple with correspondingdata contacts 334′ at the wireless power port 300′ for providing acommunication channel to the communication unit 345′.

Referring now to the block diagram of FIG. 2C, selected components areshown of another embodiment of a wireless power receiver 100″. Thewireless power receiver 100″ is configured to transfer power from awireless power outlet 200 to an electrical load 340′ and to additionallyprovide a near field communication channel to a communication unit 345′of the host device 350′. It is noted that the wireless power receiver100″ may include a wireless power antenna 180″ that serves both as asecondary inductor and an NFC antenna, and is connected to a receptioncircuit 150″ as well as an NFC circuit 160″. The NFC circuit 160″ maycomprise a data reception circuit and may further comprise a datatransmission circuit. The wireless power receiver 100″ may include twosets of electrical contacts with the host device 350′: (1) powercontacts 132″ configured to couple with corresponding power contacts332′ of the wireless power port 300′ for providing a power channel tothe electrical load 340′; and (2) data contacts 134″ configured tocouple with corresponding data contacts 334′ of the wireless power port300′ for providing a communication channel to the communication unit345′.

Referring now to the block diagram of FIG. 2D, selected components areprovided for another embodiment of a wireless power receiver 100′″. Thewireless power receiver 100′″ is configured to transfer power from awireless power outlet 200 to an electrical load 340″ and to additionallyprovide a near field communication channel to a communication unit 345″of the host device 350″. It is noted that the wireless power receiver100′″ may include a wireless power antenna 180′″ that serves both as asecondary inductor and an NFC antenna, and is connected to a receptioncircuit 150′″. The wireless power receiver 100′″ may include two sets ofelectrical contacts with the host device 350″: (1) power contacts 132′″configured to couple with corresponding power contacts 332″ at thewireless power port 300″ for providing a power channel from the powerreception circuit 150′″ to the electrical load 340″; and (2) datacontacts 134″“ ” configured to couple with corresponding data contacts334″ at the wireless power port 300″ for providing a communicationchannel from the wireless power antenna 180′″ to the communication unit345″, which may comprise a NFC circuit 360″. The NFC circuit 360″ maycomprise a data reception circuit and may further comprise a datatransmission circuit.

As noted above, a reception circuit connected to the secondary inductor,e.g., the reception circuit 150 of FIG. 2A (or the reception circuit150′ of FIG. 2B, the reception circuit 150″ of FIG. 2C, or the receptioncircuit 150′″ of FIG. 2D) may comprise a rectifier to convert an ACinput into a DC output. The rectifier may be a bridge rectifier, inwhich four diodes are arranged in a Graetz circuit. Alternatively, therectifier may be a bridge synchronous rectifier (also referred to as asynchro-rectifier) such as that described in co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/423,530, which is incorporated herein byreference. In the synchro-rectifier, at least one of the four diodes ofa typical Graetz circuit is replaced by a current-triggered electronicswitch. For example a Power MOSFET may be configured to receive a gatesignal from a current monitor wired to its own drain terminal. Thecurrent monitor may be configured to send a gate signal to the MOSFETwhen the drain-current exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Because the MOSFETs of the synchorectifier described above produce lessheat than diodes, heat dissipation becomes easier even for high power orhigh frequency power transmission. Consequently, a rectifier with asmaller footprint may be included in the interface circuit allowing itto be more easily contained within the casing of the power pack.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a synchronous full-wave rectifier 1200. Therectifier has two input terminals T1 and T2 and two output terminals T3and T4. When an alternating current source AC_(in) is wired to the twoinput terminals T1 and T2, a direct current output DC_(out) may be drawnfrom the two output terminals T3 and T4 of the rectifier 1200.

Two diodes D1 and D3 and two electronic switches M2 and M4 are arrangedto form a Graetz-like circuit. The electronic switches M2 and M4comprise a Power MOSFET. The anodes of two upstream diodes D1 and D3 arewired to the first output terminal T3 and the cathodes of the twodownstream electronic switches M2 and M4 are wired to the second outputterminal T4. The cathode of the first upstream diode D1 and the anode offirst downstream electronic switch M2 are wired to the first inputterminal T1 and the cathode of the second upstream diode D3 and theanode of second downstream electronic switch M4 are wired to the secondinput terminal T2.

The electronic switches M2 and M4 are controlled by switching signals G2and G4 which switch them between the ON and OFF states. The switchingsignal G2 controlling the electronic switch M2 must be synchronized toswitch to the ON state whenever the polarity of the first input terminalT1 is positive relative to the second input terminal T2. The switchingsignal G4 controlling the electronic switch M4 must be synchronized toswitch to the ON state whenever polarity of the first input terminal T1is negative relative to the second input terminal T2.

Typically, this synchronization is achieved by drawing the firstswitching signal G2 from the voltage of the second input terminal T2 anddrawing the second switching signal G4 from the voltage of the firstinput terminal T1.

The above described synchronous full-wave rectifier 1200 with electronicswitches M2 and M4 may reduce power loss from the rectifier by up to 50%as compared to a Graetz circuit comprising four diodes. Where furtherreduction in power loss is required it would be desirable to replace theremaining two diodes D1 and D3 with electronic switches. However, it ismuch more difficult to synchronize four electronic switches withoutinadvertently causing short circuits between either the input or outputterminals.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of a second synchronous full-wave rectifier1300, which comprises no diodes and only electronic switches M1-4. Inorder to provide an output DCout of constant polarity, the switchingsignals G1-4 need to be carefully controlled.

When the polarity of the first input terminal T1 is positive relative tothe polarity of the second input T2, the first upstream and seconddownstream electronic switches M1 and M4 must be switched to the OFFstate and the first downstream and second upstream electronic switchesM2 and M3 must be switched to the ON state. When the polarity of thefirst input terminal T1 is negative relative to the polarity of thesecond input terminal T2, the first upstream and second downstreamelectronic switches M1 and M4

must be switched to the ON state and the electronic switches firstdownstream and second upstream electronic M2 and M3 must be switched tothe OFF state.

Synchronization of the switching signals G1-4 is complicated by anadditional constraint. In order to prevent shorting across the outputterminals, the upstream and downstream electronic switches along acommon branch 1310, 320 1must never be in the ON state at the same time.In practice, when both of the switching signals G1 and G2 controllingthe two electronic switches M1 and M2 along the first branch 1310 areeach drawn from one of the input terminals T1 and T2, the two switchesM1 and M2 are periodically both in their ON states. Because the switchesM1 and M2 are adjacent along the first branch 1310 of the circuit, ashort circuit is formed between the output terminals T3 and T4. Similarshorting may occur along the second branch 1320 when the switchingsignals G3 and G4 which control the other two electronic switches M3 andM4 are each drawn from one of the input terminals T1 and T2.

According to preferred embodiments of the invention, only the switchingsignals G2 and G4 for the downstream electronic switches M2 and M4 aredrawn directly from the voltage at the input terminals T1 and T2 whilstthe switching signals G1 and G3 for the upstream switches M1 and M3 arecontrolled independently. Preferably, the switching signals G1 and G3are responsive to changes in the cathode current of switches M1 and M3respectively.

FIG. 4B shows a current-triggered synchro-rectifier 1330 according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention, which may serve as an electronicswitch M incorporated into a bridge synchro-rectifier 1300. Thecurrent-triggered synchro-rectifier 1330 includes a Power MOSFET 1130and a current monitor 1332. The current monitor 1332 is wired to thedrain terminal 1136 of the Power MOSFET 1130 and is configured to send acurrent-based gate signal G1 to the gate terminal 1138 of the PowerMOSFET when the drain-current I_(d) exceeds a predetermined thresholdI_(th). Although in the above example the current-triggeredsynchro-rectifier 1330 includes an re-channel MOSFET 1130, it will beappreciated that in other embodiments current-triggeredsynchro-rectifiers may incorporate p-channel MOSFETs.

In order to understand the functioning of the current-triggeredsynchro-rectifier 1330 consider the case where a sinusoidal alternatingvoltage is connected across the cathode 1334 and the anode 1336terminals of the current-triggered synchro-rectifier 1330. FIG. 4C showsthree graphs showing variations in 1) the voltage drop V_(d) from thecathode 1334 to the anode 1336, 2) the drain-current I_(d), and 3) theMOSFET state during one voltage cycle.

For the first half of the sinusoidal cycle the voltage drop V_(d)between the cathode 1334 and the anode 1336 is negative, thus thepolarity of the cathode 1334 is negative relative to the anode 1336.Consequently, no current flows through the drain-terminal 1136 and theMOSFET remains in the OFF state.

At the beginning of the second half of the sinusoidal cycle, the voltagedrop V_(d) between the cathode 1334 and the anode 1336 increases abovezero. The polarity of the cathode 1334 becomes positive relative to theanode 1336 so a small drain-current I_(d) begins to flow through thediode 1132. This current is measured by the current monitor 1332.

During the third quarter of the cycle, the voltage drop V_(d) betweenthe cathode 1334 and the anode 1336 continues to rise. The currentmonitor 1332 measures an increasing drain-current I_(d).

When the drain-current Id exceeds the predetermined threshold I_(th),the current-based gate signal G_(i) triggers the MOSFET 1130 to switchto the ON state.

As long as the MOSFET 1130 is in the ON state, current flows through theohmic conductive path of the electronic switch 1131. Consequently, thedrain-current I_(d) varies in proportion to the voltage drop V_(d).

During the last quarter of the cycle, the voltage drop V_(d) between thecathode 1334 and the anode 1336 decreases. The current monitor 1332measures a decreasing drain-current I_(d).

When the drain-current falls below the predetermined threshold I_(th),the current-based gate signal G_(i) triggers the MOSFET 1130 to switchto the OFF state.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram representing a synchronous full-wave bridgerectifier 400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The electronic switches M1-4 of the exemplary embodiment are all MOSFETtransformers having three terminals: a source terminal, a drain terminaland a gate terminal. The upstream MOSFETs M1 and M3 are both n-channelMOSFETs and their source terminals are both wired to the first outputterminal T3 of the rectifier. The downstream MOSFETs M2 and M4 are bothp-channel MOSFETs and their source terminals are both wired to thesecond output terminal T4 of the rectifier. The drain terminals of thefirst upstream MOSFET M1 and the first downstream MOSFET M2 are bothwired to the first input terminal T1 of the rectifier and the drainterminals of the second upstream MOSFET M3 and the second downstreamMOSFET M4 are both wired to the second input terminal T3 of therectifier.

The input terminals T1 and T2 are wired to a secondary coil L2 of apower transformer which is inductively coupled to a primary coil (notshown). The secondary coil L2 provides an alternating current input tothe two input terminals T1 and T2.

The gate terminals of the downstream MOSFETs M2 and M4 are wired to theinput terminals T2 and T1 via smoothing circuits 1420, 1440respectively. The switching signals G2 and G4, are therefore out ofphase with each other.

The gate terminals of the upstream MOSFETs M1 and M3 receive switchingsignals G1 and G3 driven by their own drain-currents I_(d1) and I_(d3).The drain current Id1 of the first upstream MOSFET M1 is monitored by afirst current transformer 1410, in which a primary current monitor coilCT1P transfers the current signal to a secondary current monitor CT2Sthe output of which is rectified and relayed to a first input IN1 of adriver 1450 which amplifies the signal before outputting a signal from afirst output OUT1. This first output signal from the driver is then fedback to the first upstream MOSFET M1 such that when the drain currentI_(d1) exceeds a threshold value the MOSFET M1 switches itself to the ONstate. This produces a switching signal G1 at the same frequency as thealternating current input ACin.

Similarly the drain current I_(d3) of the second upstream MOSFET M2 ismonitored by a second current transformer 1430, in which a primarycurrent monitor coil CT2P transfers the current signal to a secondarycurrent monitor CT2S the output of which is rectified and relayed to asecond input IN2 of the driver 1450 which amplifies the signal beforeoutputting a signal from a second output OUT2. The second output signalfrom the driver is then fed back to the second upstream MOSFET M3 suchthat when the drain current I_(d2) exceeds a threshold value the MOSFETM3 switches itself to the ON state. This produces a switching signal G3at the same frequency as the alternating current input ACin.

Although in the example hereabove, current transformers 1410, 1430 areused to monitor the drain-currents I_(d1), I_(d2), in alternativeembodiments other current monitors such as ammeters, galvanometers, Halleffect sensors or the like may be preferred.

Wireless Power Receiver Card in the Host Device

Where applicable, wireless power receiver cards may be provided havingdifferent characteristics and functionality to suit differentrequirements. For example a variety of card classes may be provided, saya first class may be provided for wireless power reception and operableto transfer power at a rate, up to 5 watts, say, suitable for chargeableconsumer electronic devices such as mobile handsets, media players andthe like. A second class of card may be provided which is operable totransfer power at a higher rate, up to 10 watts, say, suitable forlarger electronic devices, such as handheld computing devices forexample, ultrabooks, tablets and the like. A third class of card may beprovided which is operable to transfer power at a higher rate, up to 20watts, say, suitable for still larger electronic devices, such asnetbooks, laptops and the like. Still other classes of card may provideadditional functionality in combination or separately from wirelesspower reception. For example cards may be provide transmitterfunctionality, NFC or the like.

It is noted that the different card classes may be differentiated bydimensions, for example having different sizes, form factors or thelike. For example, the first class card may have dimensions of about 38mm by about 55.5 mm by about 1.2 mm. The second class card may havelarger dimensions than the first class card, and the third class cardmay have larger dimensions than the second class card. Alternatively orin addition, the different cards may be distinguishable by markingprinted, adhered, etched or otherwise indicated thereupon.

Host devices may incorporate one or more wireless power ports, which areconfigured to accommodate wireless power receiver cards of particularcard classes. For example a host device may be indicated to accept cardsonly up to a specific class. Accordingly, it may be useful to selectdimensions of the wireless power port such that only the form factors ofacceptable card classes may be accommodated thereby. Alternatively,warnings or other indications may be provided on the device itself.

Thus, wireless power ports may have a plurality of form factors, a firstclass of wireless power port may have a form factor suitable only forthe first class of card. A second class of wireless power port may havea form factor suitable for both the first class of card and the secondclass of card. A third class of wireless power port may have a formfactor suitable for all of the first class of card, the second class ofcard and the third class of card. Optionally the connector may be thesame for all three form factors is the same with its details determinedby the class of card supported.

It is further noted that the wireless power port may be integrated withexisting ports of the host device, such as memory ports and the like.Accordingly, a plurality of host connectors may be provided in the port.Different connectors may be provided at different locations andconfigured to mate with pins at corresponding positions on the cardsdepending upon required functionality.

The wireless power port may be situated in a location in the host devicesuch that the wireless power receiver card is placed near surface of thehost device, with the secondary inductor in the wireless power receivercard being in a parallel orientation with said surface. The wirelesspower port may further be situated in the host device such that the areaof the secondary inductor, as well a buffer area around the secondaryinductor of, e.g., 2.5 mm around it, does not include metal components.As such, an exemplary location of the wireless power port may be theback cover (of non-metal construction) of the host device. In such aconfiguration, the wireless power port may be attached to the back coveror integrated into the back cover. The gap between the wireless powerreceiver card placed in the wireless power receiver and the exteriorface of the back cover may be 1.5 mm or less. Further, the outer surfaceof the back cover may be flat.

It is further noted that an authorization algorithm may be initiatedupon the introduction of the card into the wireless power port. Such anauthorization algorithm may prevent incompatible cards being introducedto a host device, which may cause damage or generate unwanted results.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a retrofittable wireless powerreceiver card 2100 is shown enabling a host computer 2350 to receivepower inductively. The host computer 2350 includes a wireless power port2300 into which the card 2100 may be introduced

The card 2100 includes a secondary inductor 2120 operable to inductivelycouple with a primary inductor 2220 of a wireless power outlet 2200.Accordingly, the power pack 2340 of the computer may receive powerwirelessly.

As noted herein, the retrofittable wireless power receiver card 2100 maybe standardized to be compatible with a variety of host devices.

Referring to FIG. 7, for example, a wireless power receiver card 3100may be introduced into a wireless power port of a mobile phone 3350, forexample, such that it is connected to power pack 3320. Accordingly thepower pack 3320 may draw power from a wireless power outlet 3200 via aninductive power couple formed between a primary inductor 3220 and asecondary inductor 3120.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-C an alternative embodiment of a wirelesspower receiver card 4100 is presented. FIG. 8A shows an isometric view,FIG. 8B shows a bottom view schematically and FIG. 8C shows an explodedview.

As noted above the wireless power receiver unit 4100 may be fashionedhaving a width and a length of substantially standard dimensions. Withreference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, according to one system, the wirelesspower receiver unit 4100 may have a form of generally rectangulardimensions, for example having one lead edge 4107 including two extendedportions 4111, 4113 and separated by a gap 4112 and forming a notch4114. The first extended portion 4111 may be contiguous with the sideedge 4115 adjacent thereto.

The second extended of portion 4113 may be provided with electricalcontacts 4130 for coupling with the wireless power port of the hostdevice. The gap 4112 formed between the two extended sections 4111, 4113may provide a positioning element to assist alignment the electricalcontacts 4130 with the corresponding contacts in the wireless powerport. The notch 4114 may serve as an indication to the user of thecorrect orientation for insertion of the wireless power receiver unit4100 into a universal port.

With reference to FIG. 8C, the wireless power receiver 4100 may furtherinclude a printed circuit board 4102, including a secondary inductor4120 and reception circuit 4155, a ferromagnetic flux guide, such as aferrite or the like, as well as various additional layers 4104 ofspacers and adhesives, as well as a base layer 4016, as required.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, schematically representing an obliqueview and an exploded view of one embodiment of an electrical contactapparatus 5330 for connecting embodiments of a wireless power receiversuch as described herein to an electrical device (“host device”). Theelectrical contact apparatus 5330 may be incorporated into a wirelesspower port (for example, 300 of FIG. 2A, 300′ of FIGS. 2B and 2C, and300″ of FIG. 2D) of a host device so as to provide a wireless power porttherefor. Accordingly a conductive path between may be formed betweenthe wireless power receiver and the host device (for example, betweenwireless power receiver 100 and host device 350 of FIG. 2A, betweenwireless power receiver 100 and host device 350′ of FIGS. 2B and 2C, andwireless power receiver 100 and host device 350″ of FIG. 2D).

The electrical contact apparatus 5330 may include a base 5336, a cover5337 and an array of contact pins 5332A-D, 5334A-B. The contact pins5332 are accommodated by recesses 5338 within the base 5336. Optionallya selection of pins may comprise power connectors 5332A-D and anotherselection of pins may comprise data connectors 5334A-B. It is noted thatthe cover 5336 and base 5337, form a port into which the wireless powerreceiver may be inserted to couple with at least some of the contactpins 5332A-D, 5334A-B.

It is a feature of the embodiments of the electrical contact apparatus5330 that the power pins 5332A-D may serve as connectors for the powerpack of a host device as well as for a wireless power port. Accordingly,it is particularly noted that the power pins 5332A-D may comprise afirst connector section 5331 and a second connector section 5333. Thefirst connector section 5331 may be configured to connect to a connectorof a power pack of the second connector section 5333 may be configuredto connect to the wireless power receiver.

Optionally, the inductive charging pin-out connector may be further usedto extend functionality from other recipients of Radio Frequency (RF) ordigital signals on the host device, for example providing RFID enabledfunctionality. The shape of the wireless power receiver card and thelayout of the first external connecting terminals may be based on astandard of plug-in universal wireless power port (UWPP) standard.Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 10, selected actions are presented ofa method for providing wireless power reception functionality to a hostdevice. The method includes: obtaining a host device comprising awireless power port configured to accommodate a wireless power receiversuch as described herein 02; obtaining the wireless power receiver 04;and introducing the wireless power receiver unit into the wireless powerport of the host device 06, such that at least one electrical contactconductively connects with at least one corresponding electrical contactin the wireless power port.

The second external connecting terminals may be disposed outside theminimum range of the terminal layout based on the standard for the firstexternal connecting terminals. The first and second external connectingterminals include signal terminals electrically separated from oneanother.

An adapter may be based on Pogo pins for an IC wireless power receiverwhich performs a change of size so that a wireless power card smaller inplanar size but almost equal in thickness can be used as amulti-wireless card with degraded functionality.

Embodiments relate to a connector member, in particular, a connectormember for connection to a counterpart conductive pad as an I/O(input/output) connector comprising an IC wireless power receiver. TheIC wireless power may be an inductive, a resonance or non-resonancereception device and so on for use in reception of energy.

It may be desirable that user feedback be provided during connection.For example tactile or audible feedback may be provided, for example bya connecting ‘click’ which may be felt or heard by the user whenconnection to the counterpart is established. Other feedback mechanismswill occur to those skilled in the art. The connector may connect afirst connector element to a second connector element. The connector maybe covered with a cover having a pair of side surfaces. A resilientlocking portion is attached to each of the side surfaces.

With reference now to FIGS. 11A-E, further alternative embodiments ofthe wireless receiver card and associated wireless power port areprovided. It is noted that the examples represented are provided forillustrative purposes only and the exact shape and dimensions ofwireless power receiver card 6100 and the host device 6350, as well asthe exact number of connecting pins or contacts therebetween may varyaccording to requirements. As shown in the schematic cross-sectionalview of FIG. 11A, there is provided a wireless power receiver card 6100capable of attaching to and electrically connecting to a host device(not shown). The wireless power receiver card 6100 may include a printedcircuit board (PCB) 6110 that may have printed on it circuitry thatincludes a secondary inductor. The PCB 6110 may be connected to variouscomponents such as a reception circuit, NFC circuit and others that maybe housed in a components unit 8120. The components unit 6120 may beabout 500 microns in thickness. The wireless power receiver card 6100may further include a ferromagnetic flux guide 6130 and an outer cover6140. The ferromagnetic flux guide 6130 may comprise ferrite and may beabout 250 microns in thickness. The outer cover 6140 may comprise, forexample, a sticker or heat-curing foil and may be about 100 microns inthickness. It is noted that the wireless power receiver card 6100 mayhave an extended portion 6113, with the electrical contacts 6150 beingsituated therein. The electrical contacts 6150 may be configured to beelectrically connected to corresponding contact of a host device 6350.It is noted that the extended portion 6113 may be thicker than the restof the wireless power receiver card 6100, such that the card 6100 formsan L-like shape.

FIG. 11B shows the top view (facing away from the host device 6350) of apossible embodiment of the wireless power receiver card 6100. Thewireless power receiver 6100 may be generally round in shape, as shownin FIG. 11B, or generally rectangular in shape, with standarddimensions.

FIG. 11C shows the bottom view (facing towards the host device 6350) ofsaid embodiment of the wireless power receiver 6100, showing theelectrical contacts 6150.

FIG. 11D shows the side view of said possible embodiment of the wirelesspower receiver 8100. It is noted that the extended portion 6113 may bethicker than the rest of the wireless power receiver card 6100, suchthat the card 6100 forms an L-like shape.

As shown in FIG. 11E, the host device 6350 may include an indentation6310 containing therein electrical contacts 6330. The L-shaped wirelesspower receiver card 6100 may be configured to be attached to the hostdevice 6350, thereby having the card electrical contacts 6150 beconnected to the device electrical contacts 6330 located within anindentation 6310 of the host device 6350.

Referring now to FIGS. 11F-G, it is noted that for a wireless powerreceiver card 6100 to secure a connection with contacts within anindentation 6310 of the host device 6350, it is not necessary for theentire portion where the electrical contacts are situated to be thickerthan the rest of the wireless power receiving card 6100. For example, asshown in FIG. 11F, the extended portion 6113′ of the wireless powerreceiver card 6100′ may have one or more linkers 6115′ that create asnug fit into the indentation 6310, such that the connection between thecard electrical contacts 6150′ are connected to the device electricalcontacts 6330′. The linkers 6150′ may be, for example, a frame or anarray of pins along one or more edges of the extended portion 6113′.Alternatively or in addition, as shown in FIG. 11G, the linkers 6115″ ofthe wireless power receiver card 6100″ may be shaped to include a snap,lip, or the like that serves to prevent the wireless power receiver card6100″ from dislodging from the host device 6350′. In addition, theindentation 6330′ may include matching linkers 6315′ that are configuredto interlock or otherwise engage with the linkers 6115″, thereby furthersecuring the wireless power receiver card 6100″ to the host device6350′. The linkers 6150″ may be, for example, a frame or an array ofpins along one or more edges of the extended portion 6113″. The linkers6315′ may be, for example, a frame or an array of pins along one or moreedges of the indentation 6310′.

With reference now to FIGS. 12A-E, alternative embodiments of thewireless power receiver card and associated wireless power port that maybe provided as part of a wireless power reception system 7000. It isnoted that the examples represented are provided for illustrativepurposes only and the exact shape and dimensions of the components ofthe system (e.g., the inductive power receiver card and the socket) aswell as the exact number of connecting pins or contacts between thewireless power receiver card and the wireless power port may varyaccording to requirements.

FIG. 12A shows an isometric view, the wireless power reception system7000 may including a wireless power receiver card 7100 that may beconnected to an electrical contact apparatus 7330, both being fittedinside a host device 7350, together with a power pack 7340. The powerpack 7340 may be connected to the electrical contact apparatus, suchthat it is capable of receiving charge from the wireless power receivercard 7100. Further, the power pack 7340 may be connected to the hostdevice 7350 such the power pack 7340 is capable of providing power tothe host device 7350. FIG. 12B shows an exploded view of same, showing acommon bay 7310 within the host device 7350 that accommodates the powerpack 7340, the electrical contact apparatus 7330 and the wireless powerreceiver card 7100.

FIG. 12C is a schematic diagram of the wireless power reception system7000 showing the wireless power receiver card 7100 connected to theelectrical contact apparatus 7330 inside the common bay 7310 within thehost device 7350. FIG. 12D shows the cross section along line A of FIG.12C, and FIG. 12E shows the cross section along line B of FIG. 12C.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing, for illustrative purposes only, a possibleform factor for an embodiment of one class of the wireless powerreceiver card 8100. The wireless power receiver card may include a leadedge 8107 including two extended portions 8111, 8113 protrudingtherefrom, say, 7.00 millimeters or so, and separated by a 1.00millimeter gap 8112. The first extended portion 8111 may be contiguouswith the first side edge 8115 adjacent thereto. The second extendedportion 8113 may form a notch 8114, say 3.55 millimeters from the secondside edge 8117.

Where suitable, the gap between the two extended portions 8111, 8113 maybe situated at a distance of, say, 23.50 millimeters from the contiguousfirst side edge 8115, with the second extended portion 8111 at adistance of 24.50 millimeters therefrom. Six contacts, say may besituated upon the second extended portion 8111 and may be arranged atdistances of 25.70 millimeters, 28.25 millimeters, 30.80 millimeters,33.35 millimeters, 35.90 millimeters and 38.45 millimeters from thefirst side edge 8115 and 4.50 millimeters from the leading edge. It willbe appreciated that other form factors may be selected for differentembodiments as required. Furthermore as noted above, different classesof card may each have its own characteristic form factor.

Optionally the host device may include a cavity provided for theaccommodation of the wireless power receiver card therein. For examplethe cavity may be installed above a mobile handset battery pack andwithin the back cover possibly with a connector situated at the upperright corner thereof and aligned with the battery connector. A combinedconnector for battery and the universal power port may be implementedsuch as described herein, for example.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A-G another embodiment of the wireless powerreceiving card 9100 and the electrical contact apparatus 9300 ispresented. It is noted that the examples represented are provided forillustrative purposes only and the exact shape and dimensions wirelesspower receiver card 9100 and the electrical contact apparatus 9300, aswell as the exact number of connecting pins or contacts between thewireless power receiver card 9100 and the electrical contact apparatus9300 may vary according to requirements. FIG. 14A shows a bottom view ofthe wireless power receiving card 9100, having two extended portions9111, 9113 protruding therefrom, the extended portions being separatedby a gap 9112. One of the extended portions, say, extended portion 9113,may have electrical contacts 9130. FIG. 14B shows an isometric view ofthe wireless power receiving card 9100, with the bottom surface facingup. FIG. 14C shows an exploded view of the wireless power receiving card9100. FIG. 14D shows an isometric view of the wireless power receivingcard 9100, with its bottom surface facing down, in relation to anelectrical contact apparatus 9300. The electrical contact apparatus 9300is typically connected physically and electrically to a host device (notshown). The wireless power receiving card 9100 may include eightcontacts 9130A-H, and the electrical contact apparatus 9300 may includeeight contacts 9330A-H. Such contacts (9130, 9330) may comprise goldplated fingers, for example, on the bottom of the printed circuit board.Such contacts may be 1.5 millimeters in width and 4 millimeters longwith an intercontact spacing of about 2.55 millimeters, for example. Thecontacts 9310A-H of the wireless power receiving card 9100 areconfigured to be electrically connected with the contacts 9330A-H,respectively, of the electrical contact apparatus when the extendedportion 9113, where the contacts 9130A-H are located, are properlyinserted into the electrical contact apparatus 9300. The eight contacts9130A-H may correspond, in no particular order, to the power and dataconstructs as described below in the section “Power contacts and datacontacts between a wireless power receiver and a host device”, e.g., tothe contacts GND, Vsupply, SMB_CLK, MB-DAT, Spare/SWP, Vcc, Ant1 andAnt2 or to the contacts ANT1, ANT2, Vcc, SCL, SDA, DISABLE, VOUT, andGND. In certain embodiments, only a subset of the contacts present maybe in operation. For example, a particular embodiment of the wirelesspower receiver card 9100 may contain eight contacts 9130A-H, with threeof them being operational, serving as DISABLE, VOUT and GND.

The extended portion 9113 of the wireless power receiving card 9100 andthe insertion guide 9350 of the electrical contact apparatus 9300 mayhave corresponding chamfered edges that improve guidance of theinsertion of the extended portion 9113 into the electrical contactapparatus 9300 as well as secure the electrical connection between thecontacts 9330A-H and 9130A-H once the insertion is complete. Inaddition, the gap 9112 may also serve as a guiding means, such that thegap 9112 is configured to closely fit a portion the insertion guide9350, thus securing the wireless power receiving card 9100 from unwantedlateral movement.

Referring now to FIGS. 15A-C, yet another embodiment of the wirelesspower receiving card 10100 and the electrical contact apparatus 10300 ispresented. It is noted that the examples represented are provided forillustrative purposes only and the exact shape and dimensions of thewireless power receiver card 10100 and the electrical contact apparatus10300, as well as the exact number of connecting pins or contactsbetween the wireless power receiver card 10100 and the electricalcontact apparatus 10300 may vary according to requirements. FIG. 15Ashows an isometric view of the wireless power receiving card 10100, withits bottom side facing up, It is noted that the wireless power receivingcard 10100 may have an extended portion 10113, where the contacts10130A-H are located. FIG. 15B shows the reverse side of the wirelesspower receiving card 10100 (top side facing up), in relation to anelectrical contact apparatus 10300, which may include contacts 10330A-H.The contacts (10130, 10330) may comprise gold plated fingers, forexample, on the bottom of the printed circuit board. Such contacts maybe 1.5 millimeters in width and 4 millimeters long with an intercontactspacing of about 2.55 millimeters, for example. With reference to FIG.15C, the contacts 10130A-H of the wireless power receiving card 10100are configured to be electrically connected with the contacts 10330A-H,respectively, of the electrical contact apparatus 10300 when theextended portion 10113 is properly inserted into the electrical contactapparatus 10300. The eight contacts 10130A-H may correspond, in noparticular order, to the power and data constructs as described below inthe section “Power contacts and data contacts between a wireless powerreceiver and a host device”, e.g., to the contacts GND, Vsupply,SMB_CLK, MB-DAT, Spare/SWP, Vcc, Ant1 and Ant2 or to the contacts ANT1,ANT2, Vcc, SCL, SDA, DISABLE, VOUT, and GND. In certain embodiments,only a subset of the contacts present may be in operation. For example,a particular embodiment of the wireless power receiver card 10100 maycontain eight contacts 10130A-H, with three of them being operational,serving as DISABLE, VOUT and GND.

The extended portion 10113 of the wireless power receiving card 11100may have chamfered edges that improve guidance of the wireless powerreceiving card 11100 into a wireless power port, as well as secure theelectrical connection between the contacts 10130A-H of the wirelesspower receiving card 11100 and the contacts of the wireless power portonce the insertion is complete.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A-C, yet another embodiment of the wirelesspower receiving card 11100 is presented. It is noted that the examplesrepresented are provided for illustrative purposes only and the exactshape and dimensions wireless power receiver card 11100, as well as theexact number of connecting pins or contacts between the wireless powerreceiver card 11100 may vary according to requirements.

FIG. 16A shows the bottom view of the wireless power receiver card11100, showing the chamfered edges that guides its insertion into awireless power port. The chamfered edges may be set at an angle, e.g.,of about 63.4 degrees.

FIG. 16B shows the cross section of the wireless power receiver card11100 along line A as shown in FIG. 16C.

FIG. 16C shows the front view of the wireless power receiver card 11100.The wireless power receiver card 11100 may include a lead edge 11107, abottom edge 11108 and an extended portion 11111. The wireless powerreceiver card 11100 may have a length along the extended portion 11111of about 55 millimeters, a width along the lead edge 11108 and bottomedge 11108 of about 35 millimeters and a thickness of about 1.05 mm. Thewireless power receiver card 11100 may include a trimmed corner at oneof the corners along the lead edge. The trimmed corner may provide afifth edge of the card 11100 of about 3 millimeters in length, orientedat a 45 degree angle from its adjacent edges.

A plurality of electrical contacts 11130A-H, including power contactsand data contacts, may be situated on near the lead edge 11107. Theeight contacts shown in FIG. 16C may correspond, in not particularorder, to the power and data constructs as described below in thesection “Power contacts and data contacts between a wireless powerreceiver and a host device”, e.g., to the contacts GND, Vsupply,SMB_CLK, MB-DAT, Spare/SWP, Vcc, Ant1 and Ant2 or to the contacts ANT1,ANT2, Vcc, SCL, SDA, DISABLE, VOUT, and GND. In certain embodiments,only a subset of the contacts present may be in operation. For example,a particular embodiment of the wireless power receiver card 11100 maycontain eight contacts, with three of them being operational, serving asDISABLE, VOUT and GND.

The extended portion 10113 of the wireless power receiving card 10100and the insertion guide 10350 of the electrical contact apparatus 10300may have corresponding chamfered edges that improve guidance of theinsertion of the extended portion 10113 into the electrical contactapparatus 10300 as well as secure the electrical connection between thecontacts 10330A-H and 10130A-H once the insertion is complete.

Small Size—Heat Dissipation Mechanisms

In addition, various features of the system may be directed towardsallowing the control components to have smaller size. A known limitationupon the size of electrical components is the rate at which they candissipate heat. Smaller components do not dissipate heat as well aslarger components. Selected embodiments of the system reduce the heatgenerated by the control components so that they may be of smallerdimensions.

A first heat reduction feature enabling small control components isdescribed in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/497,088,which is incorporated herein by reference. The frequency of theoscillating driving voltage of the primary inductor may be significantlydifferent from the resonant frequency of the inductive coupling system.Non-resonant transmission uses lower transmission voltages than resonanttransmission, consequently less heat may be generated by controlcomponents and they may therefore have smaller dimensions. It is furthernoted that, when using non-resonant inductive power transmission, afeedback signal for regulating power transfer may be passed from theinductive receiver to the inductive transmitter via an inductivecommunication channel.

An inductive communication channel may include a transmission circuitassociated with the inductive power receiver and a receiving circuitassociated with an inductive power transmitter. The transmission circuitis wired to the secondary coil and the receiving circuit is wired to theprimary coil.

The signal transmission circuit includes at least one electricalelement, selected such that when it is connected to the secondary coil,the resonant frequency of the system increases. The transmission circuitis typically configured to selectively connect the electrical element tothe secondary coil. Any decrease in either the inductance or thecapacitance increases the resonant frequency of the system, which may bedetected by the signal receiving circuit.

Typically, the signal receiving circuit includes a voltage peak detectorconfigured to detect large increases in the transmission voltage. Insystems where the voltage transmission frequency is higher than theresonant frequency of the system, such large increases in transmissionvoltage may be caused by an increase in the resonant frequency therebyindicating that the electrical element has been connected to thesecondary coil. Thus the transmission circuit may be used to send asignal pulse to the receiving circuit and a coded signal may beconstructed from such pulses. The transmission circuit may also includea modulator for modulating a bit-rate signal with the input signal. Theelectrical element may then be connected to the secondary inductive coilaccording to the modulated signal. The receiving circuit may include ademodulator for demodulating the modulated signal. For example thevoltage peak detector may be connected to a correlator forcross-correlating the amplitude of the primary voltage with the bit-ratesignal thereby producing the output signal.

It is noted that the use of such an inductive communication channelavoids the necessity for large transceivers such as are necessary withother wireless signal transfer such as using known radio wave basedprotocols.

A second heat reduction feature enabling small control components, whichis used in other embodiments of the power pack, is that a low heat lossrectifier is used to convert AC power from the secondary inductor to DCpower to charge an electrochemical cell.

Physical Parameters and Components

Various physical parameters and protocols may be used with the universalwireless power port and the wireless power receiver card. Forillustrative purposes only, an example of a selection of parameter isprovided indicating possible mechanical, electrical and softwareapplication program interface (API) requirements for interfacing withsuch a card. In addition a possible user interface (UI) is proposed tosupport wireless charging card configuration.

According to certain embodiments an wireless power receiver card may beprovided having dimensions such as a thickness of about 0.7 millimetersand a form factor of, say 35 millimeters by 50 millimeters. Universalwireless power ports may then by provided in electric devices havingdimensions corresponding to those of the wireless power receiver cardsuch that the card may be accommodated thereby.

Accordingly the secondary inductor of such a wireless power receivercard may have a diameter of between, say, 13 millimeters and 40millimeters with an inductance of around 4.6 to 4.8 microhenries at afrequency of 100 hertz, for example, with a coil resistance of about 143milliohms.

A magnet may be provided for the wireless power receiver card, which mayserve the purpose of guiding correct placement of the wireless powerreceiver card within a wireless power port within the host device. Themagnet may have dimensions of, say, a 10 millimeter diameter and a 0.6millimeter thickness. For example, a NdFeB, Grade N52 material may beused having a nickel-copper-nickel (Ni—Cu—Ni) coating and orientatedwith its poles along the flat sides. Suitable ratings for the magnet maybe a Brmax rating (of magnetic force) of say 800 to 1200 Gauss or 14,800Gauss and a BHmax rating of say 52 MGOe.

A flux guide may be provided to direct the alternating current (AC)magnetic field induced by a wireless power transmitter possibly with anefficiency of 70% or more. Where appropriate, a ferrite may be usedhaving the following parameters: a saturation flux density of 0.49teslas with a permeability of around 2400 u for an operating frequencybetween 100 kilohertz to 500 kilohertz.

The contacts of the wireless power receiving card and the universalwireless power port may be selected as required. According to variousembodiments, the number of electric contacts may be four, six, eight orother number. For example two contacts may be provided for transferringa first power level of say 5 volts at 0.5 amps direct current, with twofurther contacts for a second power level of say 30 volts at 50milliamps and say a frequency of 13.56 megahertz. Further contacts maybe provided for data communication channels, such as I²C or SMB forexample. Where appropriate, four data contacts may be provided for sucha purpose.

Generally the wireless power receiving card should be rigorous enough towithstand somewhat rough treatment including multiple insertions into auniversal power port, operating temperatures of between 0 Celsius to 85Celsius. Where possible, package materials should be selected which donot include conductive particles and finished such that the surface maybe printed upon or an adhesive layer adhered thereto. Moreover,materials and parameters may be selected which may be suitable for massproduction at relatively low cost and with a fast production time.

Near Field Communication (NFC)

Near Field Communication (NFC) is another technology gaining popularity,particularly in mobile communication devices. NFC antennas and inductivecharging secondary inductor receivers may share similar design yet whencombined they may compete for the same limited real estate of their hostdevice. A solution allowing facilitating both technologies in a singleantenna may be implemented such as described in the applicants copendingpatent application U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/053,857, forexample, which is incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, awireless power antenna, or secondary inductor of a wireless powerreceiver card may be shared by an NFC circuit, which may be situated inthe host device or integrated onto the card itself.

It is noted that the transmission frequencies used by Near FieldCommunication signals and inductive power signals are sufficiently closethat concurrent NFC and inductive power transfer may interfere with eachother. Accordingly, where appropriate, a combined NFC and inductivepower transfer module may be operable in time-division-mode (TDM).

In time-division-mode the combined NFC and inductive power transfermodule may be operable to prevent concurrent communication of bothsignals, such that reception of signals of one type are interruptedwhile reception of the other signals are received.

It will be appreciated that NFC signals are generally of shorterduration and are more time critical than inductive power transfersignals. Accordingly, the NFC reader may be configured to serve as amaster and operable to override the inductive power receiver ceasinginductive power transfer when appropriate. Alternatively, if the NFCwere less time critical say, the inductive power receiver may beconfigured to serve as the master.

Optionally, a mutual logic control unit may be provided between the NFCreader and the inductive power receiver. The mutual logic control may beoperable to instruct the inductive power receiver to interrupt powertransmission, when an NFC signal is received.

In some cases the incoming NFC communication may include a requestsignal, detectable by the combined NFC and inductive power transfermodule. Receipt of the request signal may trigger the control unit tointerrupt inductive power reception for the duration of the NFCcommunication. Optionally an end-of-communication (EOC) signal may besent at the end of the NFC communication. The EOC signal may be used totrigger the control unit to resume inductive power reception.

Alternatively, where the NFC communication does not include a requestsignal, the NFC signal may be initially received concurrently with theinductive power transfer, for example as a superimposed signal.Detection of the NFC communication may trigger the control unit tointerrupt inductive power reception. When the NFC communication is nolonger detected, the system may revert to inductive power transfer mode.

Accordingly, an NFC reader chip may be configured to include a pinproviding a signal when a communication is received. Such an output pinmay be used to interrupt inductive power transmission, for example,where the output pin is connected to an override pin of a correspondinginductive receiver chip.

Where the combined NFC inductive power transfer module includes a commonantenna switchable between the NFC reader and the inductive powerreception circuit, the controller may further control switching betweenthe antenna and the inductive power receiver.

It is particularly noted that where a separate NFC antenna and secondaryinductor are provided, interruption of the inductive transmission signalmay be used to reduce interference during reception of the NFC signal.

Standardized Location of Wireless Power Port

The wireless power port may be situated in the host device in astandardized format defining the position of the wireless powerreceiving card within the host device. In one embodiment of thestandardized format, referring to FIG. 17A, the wireless power port12350 may be configured such that the wireless power receiver card12100, as well as the secondary inductor within it, is centered alongthe width of the host device 12300. As such, for a wireless powerreceiving card 12100 having a width A, the distance of its side edgefrom the center of the host device 12300, as defined by the line X, ishalf of A (i.e., A/2). Further, the bottom edge of the wireless powerreceiving card may be situated at a location between 2 predefineddistances from the bottom of the host device 12300, depicted in FIG. 17by the lines Y and Z. In an exemplary embodiment, the distance betweenthe bottom of the host device and line Y may be about 40.55 millimetersor, and the distance between the bottom of the host device and line Zmay be 55.85 millimeters. In another exemplary embodiment, the distancebetween the bottom of the host device and line Y may be about 38.05millimeters or, and the distance between the bottom of the host deviceand line Z may be 53.35 millimeters, where the secondary inductor of thewireless power receiver card has a width of about 40 millimeters.Further, the wireless power port 12350 may be configured to allow theinsertion of a standard wireless power receiving card, for example thewireless power receiving card 11100 as shown in FIGS. 16A-C, having awidth A of about 35 millimeters and a length of about 55 millimeters.

The wireless power port may include a space available for the insertionof a wireless power receiver card and at least one mechanism forsecuring the wireless power receiver card in place. The wireless powerport may further include least one electrical contact unit for data andpower transmission between the wireless power receiver card and the hostdevice. Alternatively, the wireless power port may position the wirelesspower receiver card such that it can form an electrical connection (viaone or more electrical contacts) with the electrical contact unit of thehost device.

Referring now to FIG. 17B, a wireless power port 12350 may be located inthe interior surface of a removable back cover 12340 of a host device12300, and may include a space available for the insertion of a wirelesspower receiver card 12100 and at least one securing mechanism 12360 forsecuring the wireless power receiver card 12100 in place. The securingmechanism 12360 may be sliding trails into which the sides of thewireless power receiver card 12100 are placed. Said sides may bechamfered to enable a secure fit. The back cover 12340 may beconstructed of one or more non-metal materials. Further, the wirelesspower port 12350 may be configured to position the wireless powerreceiver card such that it can form an electrical connection (via one ormore electrical contacts 12130) with the electrical contact unit 12320of the host device 12300. The sliding trails 12360 and other securingmechanisms may position the wireless power receiver card 12100 suchthat, when the back cover 12350 is attached to the main body 12310 ofthe host device, the electrical contacts 12130 of the card 12100 isconductively connected to the electrical contacts 12330 of theelectrical contact unit 12320.

Referring now to FIGS. 18A-B (showing the top and side views,respectively), the electrical contact unit 12320 may include electricalcontacts 12330 in a pogo-pin mechanism. That is, the electrical contacts12330 may be spring loaded within a casing 12335. The dimensions of thecomponents may be as shown in FIGS. 18A-B, or they may be in otherdimensions, as needed.

Alternatively, the electrical contacts 12330 in the electrical contactunit 12320 of the host device 12300 may be leaf connectors. Typically,leaf connectors are used as the electrical contacts 12330 in theelectrical contact unit 12320 where the attachment of the removable backcover 12340 to the main body 12310 of the host device 12300 requires asliding action.

In certain host devices, it may be impractical to position a wirelesspower receiver card on the back cover of the host device and anelectrical contact unit on the main body of the host device such thattheir respective electrical contacts juxtapose to form a conductiveconnection. Referring now to FIG. 19, the back cover 12340′ of the hostdevice power port 12300′ may include a power port 12350′ including abridge connector 12355 comprising electrical contacts (not shown) thatform a conductive connection with the electrical contacts 12130′ of thewireless power receiver card 12100 once inserted within the power port12350′, in addition to a space available for the insertion of a wirelesspower receiver card and at least one securing mechanism 12360′ forsecuring the wireless power receiver card in place. The bridge connector12355 may be wired to a pad array unit 12357 having electrical contacts12359. The bridge connector 12355 and the pad array unit 12357 may bewired with a flexible printed circuit board (PCB). The pad array unit12357 may be situated on the back cover 12340′ such that such that it iscapable of forming a conductive connection with the electrical contactunit 12320′ on the main body 12310′ of the host device 12300′ (via therespective electrical contacts 12359 and 12330′) when the back cover12340′ is attached to the main body 12310′. While FIG. 19 shows the padarray unit 12357 being located near the top right corner of the backcover 12340′, it will be appreciated that the pad array nit 12357 may besituated anywhere on the interior surface of the back cover 12340′, asneeded, for matching the location of the electrical contact unit 12320′.The electrical contacts 12330′ may be in any configuration to ensure astable conductive connection with each other, for example in the form ofpogo pins, leaf connectors or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 20A, a host device may be configured such that thewireless power receiver 12100 may be insertable into and/or removablefrom a wireless power port 13350 through an exterior opening 13355 onthe back cover 13340 of the host device, without disassembling the hostdevice, e.g., by removing the back cover 13340 from the host device. Theback cover 13340 may include an outer cover 13342 and an inner cover13344, which are configured be combined and form the power port 13350and the exterior opening 13355 therebetween. The outer back cover 13342and the inner back cover 13344 may be constructed of one or morenon-metal materials.

Referring now to FIGS. 20B-C, the inner back cover 13344 may include aspace available for the insertion of a wireless power receiver card12100 and at least one securing mechanism 13360 for securing thewireless power receiver card 12100 in place. The securing mechanism maybe sliding trails into which the sides of the wireless power receivercard 12100 are placed. Said sides may be chamfered to enable a securefit. Further, the wireless power port 13350, including but not limitedto the securing mechanism 13360, may be configured to position thewireless power receiver 12100 such that, when the wireless powerreceiver 12100 is inserted into the wireless power port 13350, theelectrical contacts of the card 12100 is conductively connected to theelectrical contacts 13330 of the electrical contact unit 13320.

As shown in FIG. 20B-C, the electrical contact unit 13320 may beconductively connected to the inner electronic components of the hostdevice via an adapter connector 13370 and an adapter plug 13372. Theadapter plug may include a socket 13374 configured to connect to a wiredpower source/data connection, e.g., a USB plug, a micro-USB plug, anano-USB plug, or the like. With the adapter connector 13370 and adapterplug 13372, the host device is capable of receiving power andreceiving/transmitting data through a wired connection via the socket13374, as well as wirelessly through the wireless power receiver 12100.

FIGS. 20D-E shows a detailed view of the adapter plug, with the socket13374 and a host connector 13376, which is configured to make aconductive connection with the inner electronic components of the hostdevice. FIG. 20F shows an assembled back cover 13340, showing the outerback cover 13342, the inner back cover 13344 and the host connector13376.

Power Contacts and Data Contacts Between a Wireless Power Receiver and aHost Device

The contacts between the wireless power receiving card (regardless ofthe particular form factor employed by a particular embodiment thereof)and the host device (e.g., via the electrical contact apparatus) mayserved by eight electrical contacts, some of which serve as powercontacts and some of which serve as data contacts.

The data contacts may include:

-   -   a first contact GND, a power contact, having a current rating        of, e.g., around 2 amp serving as a GND for the power supply;    -   a second contact Vsupply (alternatively Vout), a power contact,        having a current rating of, e.g., around 2 amp serving as a        connection to the power supply input;    -   a third contact SMB CLK (alternatively SCL), a data contact,        having a current rating of, e.g., around 50 milliamps serving as        a system management bus (SMB) clock signal connector;    -   a fourth contact SMB DAT (alternatively SDA), a data contact,        having a current rating of, e.g., around 50 milliamps serving as        a system management bus (SMB) data signal connector;    -   a fifth contact Spare/SWP, a data contact, having a current        rating of, e.g., around 50 milliamps serving as a spare signal        connector or a single wire protocol (SWP) connector, for example        for NFC communication;    -   a sixth contact Vcc, a power contact, having a current rating        of, e.g., around 50 milliamps serving as a digital logic        connector which may be driven by the device and/or the card;    -   a seventh contact Ant1, a power contact, having a current rating        of, e.g., around 2 amp serving as a first antenna lead for a        possible NFC connection; and    -   an eighth contact Ant2, a power contact, having a current rating        of, e.g., around 2 amp serving as a second antenna lead for a        possible NFC connection.

The wireless power receiver card may operate as a direct to batterypower receiver where the wireless power receiver card may connectdirectly to the battery and provide controlled charger functionality.Alternatively, the wireless power receiver card may operate as a wallcharger emulator, where the wireless power receiver card may emulate apower supply providing a fixed voltage of, e.g., about 5 volts, to aninternal charger control unit.

Accordingly, the wireless power receiver card may behave differentlyaccording to the type of operation required. Selection between theoperational modes may be determined by a SEL signal that may be latchedat startup, possibly via the data contact SMB DAT. The Vsupply and GNDpair may provide 1.5 A of current to and from the card.

The system management bus (SMB or SMBus) is a single-ended simpletwo-wire bus for the purpose of lightweight communication, derived fromI²C (otherwise known as inter-integrate circuit or two-wire interface).In certain embodiments, the system may operate I²C instead of, or inaddition to, SMB. Thus, with respect to the present disclosure, thephrase system management bus (SMB or SMBus) may refer to I²C, in thealternate or in addition. The SMB signals may include the SMB CLK andSMB DAT signals. These may be compatible with the SMB definitions, andmay be configured and operable to provide a communication channel fromthe card to the host device and optionally to the host device battery.

Bus termination resistors Rp may located on the device side. The valueof the termination resistors may encode the NCS and SEL signals and maybe latched at startup. The device may be operable to drive the bustermination resistors Rp resistors from the Vcc signal.

The SMB may be selected as it is often used for Laptops/Netbookscommunication with their battery packs. It will be appreciated thatother protocols may occur to those skilled in the art. Furthermore,other embodiments may allow the wireless power receiver card tocommunicate directly with the device battery. Still other embodimentsmay allow it to operate selectively as slave, for example forcommunication with the host device, or as master, for example forcommunication with the battery.

NCS signals may allow the device to communicate, for example, the numberof cells its battery pack is using. The NCS signal may be encoded usinga bus termination resistor Rp on the SMB CLK signal. The wireless powerreceiver card may be configured and operable to measure the resistorvalue at startup and latch the value for further operation. If thedevice is not driving the Vcc signal then the wireless power receivercard may optionally drive the Vcc signal to 3V to allow the resistormeasurement.

For example an Rp value of 10 kilo-ohms may be used to encode a signalof 00; an Rp value of 15 kilo-ohms may be used to encode a signal of 01;an Rp value of 20 kilo-ohms may be used to encode a signal of 10; and anRp value of 25 kilo-ohms may be used to encode a signal of 11. It willbe appreciated that other codes may occur to those skilled in the art,as suit requirements.

The wireless power receiver card may be configured and operable to readthe value of the NCS signal without the device being powered at all.This may be useful in protecting the device and the battery from apotential mismatched voltage supply from the wireless power receivercard.

The SEL signal may be used to select the type of supply operation inreceive mode. The SEL signal may be coded using the Rp resistor on theSMB DAT signal. The wireless power receiver card may be configured andoperable to measure the resistor value at startup and latch the valuefor further operation. If the device is not driving the Vcc signal thenthe wireless power receiver card may optionally drive it to 3V to allowthe resistor measurement. Again, an Rp value of 10 kilo-ohms may be usedto encode a signal of 00; an Rp value of 15 kilo-ohms may be used toencode a signal of 01; an Rp value of 20 kilo-ohms may be used to encodea signal of 10; and an Rp value of 25 kilo-ohms may be used to encode asignal of 11, with values of 10 and/or 11 indicating direct to batteryoperation while 00 and/or 01 indicating wall charger emulation. It willbe appreciated that other codes may occur to those skilled in the art,as suit requirements.

The Vcc signal may be the power supply for the wireless power receivingunit's digital domain possibly, also serving to push the SMB via the Rpresistors. The Vcc signal may be connected via diodes to the deviceand/or the card drives. The wireless power receiving unit may drive thesignal if it is connected to a transmitter. The device may drive thesignal in other cases. To facilitate this setting the drive voltage fromthe card may be 3.3 volts while the drive from the device side may beset to 3 volts.

Where appropriate, the Ant1 & Ant2 signals may provide access to a cardantenna. An NFC circuit (e.g. an NFC transceiver) may connect to thesesignals and use the wireless power receiving unit's antenna for NFCoperation. The design of the WiCC circuitry may expose high impedance atthe operational range of the NFC signals.

Alternatively, the contacts between the wireless power receiving cardand the electrical contact apparatus may include the data and powercontacts according to Table 1:

TABLE 1 Data and Power Contacts Current Signal # Name Type ratingDescription 1 ANT1 Power 2 A Antenna lead 1 (for optional NFCconnection) 2 ANT2 Power 2 A Antenna lead 2 (for optional NFCconnection) 3 Vcc Power 50 mA 3 V supply to Slot Card. 4 SCL Data 50 mAI²C clock signal 5 SDA Data 50 mA I²C data signal 6 DISABLE Data 50 mAActive high disable signal 7 VOUT Power 2 A Connection to power supplyinput 8 GND Power 2 A GND for power supply

There are two possible types of electrical integration of a slot cardwith a host device. Type IA has minimal interface of power signals andbasic enablement. The Slot Card functions according to defaultconfiguration and does not support communication with the host devicefor control of its parameters. In the case of Type IA, only the DISABLE,Vout and GND signals may be in operation. In Type IB, in addition topower signals, a communication interface between the slot card and hostdevice may be supported. In the case of Type IB, one or more of theremaining signals may be in operation.

Integration to a host device that is designed to work with Type IB SlotCard may be configured to accept a Type IA Slot Card, but will not beable to change its default behavior or to receive full communicationfrom it. The slot card may provide the required voltage that is used bythe host device's on-board circuitry to charge its internal battery, orsupply the internal load.

The VOUT and GND pair may be configured to provide up to 2 A of currentto and from the slot card. The slot card may be configured to provide afixed 5V (+/−5%) on this pair of lines when it is on top of an activetransmitter and it is enabled by the control bus, or enable signal.Voltage may decrease if the Slot Card applies current limiting.

Communication between the host device and the slot card may be performedvia the SCL and SDA signals. The I²C signals include the SCL and SDAsignals, which may be compatible with the I²C or SMB definitions, andmay be designed to provide a communication channel from the Slot Card tothe host device and optionally, to the device battery. The I²C may beimplemented by an I²C interface that is common on all handsetapplication processors. The signals may be weakly pulled high by thehost device using pull-up resistors of 20 kΩ connected to the hostdevice VIO supply of 1.8V. The host and slot card actively pull signalsto the Low state for ‘0’ state and float the bus for ‘1’.

The slot card may support optional interrupt generation from slot cardto host device. If enabled, the slot card may pull the SDA signal tozero for ˜10 microseconds to indicate the status change. The host devicecan then use the standard I²C transaction to query the slot card for itsexact status.

The DISABLE signal may used by the host device to disable charging (bypulling the signal to ‘1’). The DISABLE signal may be connectedinternally in the slot card to GND via a resistor. An unconnectedDISABLE signal will therefore be guaranteed to be at ‘0’ state, allowingcharging.

The exact behavior of the clot card in response to this signal maydepend on its operational state (whether or not it is connected to atransmitter), and host device setting of the slot card's secondaryinductor terminate register. The slot card behavior for the differentstates may be according to Table 2.

TABLE 2 Slot Card behavior for different states Slot Card DISABLE SlotCard is active on Slot Card is active on is not signal transmitter &transmitter & active on state Terminate register = 0 Terminate register= 1 transmitter ‘1’ Disable power output to Disable power output SlotCard Host. Continue standard to Host. Send end-of- signaling PMAprotocol charge signals to is exchange with wireless wireless powerdisabled. power transmitter transmitter The Slot Card will not respondto any digital ping ‘0’ Power outputs are enabled. Signaling is activeSlot Card as per PMA protocol signaling is enabled. The Slot Card willrespond to digital pings

When the DISABLE signal is pulled high (‘1’), the slot card will disableits power output. If Terminate register is ‘1’ (default behavior) then,if it is connected to a transmitter, it will send an EOC signal and itwill not send any signals to transmitters, even if digital ping isdetected. If Terminate register is ‘0’, the slot card will functionnormally and respond to transmitters, but its power output to the hostdevice will be switched off. When the DISABLE signal is pulled low (‘0’)the slot card may resume charging operation.

When the slot card is connected to a wireless power transmitter, it mayre-enable its power output and continue charging operation. If the slotcard is not connected, then it will be ready to respond to any digitalping initiated by a valid wireless power transmitter.

A type IB slot card may also be configured to disable charging via theI²C transactions. In such a case, charging will be enabled only if boththe DISABLE signal is at ‘0’ and the I²C controlled enable bit isactivated.

The Vcc signal line allows the host to supply power to the slot cardcontroller when it is not drawing power from a wireless transmitter. Thehost device may be configured to provide a fixed voltage between2.7-3.3V. The maximal current draw by the slot card may be 10 mA orless.

The ANT1 and ANT2 signals may provide access to an optional NFC antennawithin the slot card. An NFC transceiver may connect to these signalsand use the Slot Card antenna for NFC operation. The design of the slotcard circuitry may expose high impedance at the operational range of theNFC signals.

Electronic Integration of the Wireless Power Receiver and the HostDevice

Reference is now made to FIG. 21A. The wireless power receiver (“WiCC”)may be used as a single power source for the host device, for exampleuse the WiCC as the input via a wireless power port (“slot connector”)for a USB connector. In such a case, the WiCC output may go through thehost charger power management integrated circuit (“charger IC”) and thento the battery inputs. Further, the host application processor may notcontrol the DISABLE signal of the wireless power receiver.

Reference is now made to FIG. 21B. The WiCC may be used as the solepower source for the host device that incorporates a wireless power port(“slot connector”) for the wireless power receiver. In such a case, thewireless power receiver output may go through the host device charger ICand then to the battery inputs. A host device processor, e.g., andapplication processor, may control the disabling of the WiCC with theDISABLE signal through a dedicated connector and may also control theconnection through the charger IC.

Reference is now made to FIG. 21C. The charger IC of the host device mayhave two separate charging inputs to support two separate sources: (1)the WiCC—via a slot connector; and (2) a wired power input, e.g., USBpower source, a micro-USB power source or the like. A host deviceprocessor, e.g., an application processor, may control the charging ofeach of these sources separately.

Reference is now made to FIG. 21D. The host device may have two inputconnectors (e.g., one WiCC connector and one connector for a wired powersource such as micro-USB) and two charger IC units, each dedicated foreach connector. For such a configuration, a host device processor, e.g.,an application processor, may control each charger to receive chargingindications and control their outputs.

Reference is now made to FIG. 21E. The host device may include a chargerIC that has a single charging supply. Two separate power sources: (1)the WiCC—via a slot connector; and (2) a wired power input, e.g., USBpower source, a micro-USB power source or the like may be supportedthrough connecting to the charger IC via a logic power switches betweenthe two power sources.

Parameters for Disabling of the Wireless Power Receiver

The wireless power receiver card may be configured to terminate itsoperation and enter an end-of-charge state (EOC) under variousconditions, including:

-   -   Load presence: a lack of connection to an electrical load to        provide power to or charge. When the wireless power receiver        card is active and the current flowing to the host device is        lower than a no-load threshold current (In1) for a predetermined        period of time (Tn1), the No Load condition is set and the        wireless power receiver card terminates its power output.    -   Time overage: The power output from the wireless power receiver        has been ongoing beyond a predetermined amount of time.    -   Output current level: The current output to the host device is        too high or too low.    -   Input voltage level: The voltage of the current induced in the        secondary inductor is too high    -   Output voltage level: The voltage of the power output to the        host device is too high.    -   Temperature level: The temperature of the card is too high or        too low.    -   Presence of wired power or data input: The host device is        connected to a wired power and/or data input, e.g., a USB        connection.    -   Disable signal: The wireless power receiver card terminates its        power output if it receives a disable signal from the host        device.

One or more of the above parameters may be configured by the hostdevice, which transmits the parameters to the wireless power receiverthrough the data connection. In some cases, the configuration data mayfurther be transmitted wirelessly, as needed, to the wireless powertransmitter.

Some of the above parameters may be predetermined, and may be inaccordance with Tables 3 and 4:

TABLE 3 Time parameters Parameter Symbol Min Typical Max Units EOCthreshold current I_(EOC) 70 80 90 mA Time to enter EOC t_(EOC) 175 180185 sec. Time to enable EOC for t_(EOC)_EN 29 30 31 Minutes chargingcompleted

TABLE 4 Protection parameters Parameter Symbol Min. Typical Max. UnitsRectified input over voltage V_(OVP)_IN 14.5 15 15.5 V protectionthreshold Output over voltage V_(OVP)_OUT 6 6.5 7 V protection thresholdOver current protection, I_(LIM)_HIGH 1.1 1.3 1.5 A high limit thresholdOver current protection, I_(LIM)_LOW 0.6 0.7 0.8 A low limit thresholdOutput voltage at current V_(OUT)_ILIM 4.2 5 V limit Temperaturethreshold to T_(LIM) 43 45 47 ° C. limit the current Hysteresistemperature T_(HYS) 3 5 7 ° C. Over temperature protection T_(Max) 58 6062 ° C. threshold

Once the wireless power receiver enters an EOC state, it may transmit asignal to instruct the wireless power transmitter to terminate theactivation of the primary inductor and enter a standby mode.

Power Supply Functionality

The direct to battery mode of operation may allow for connection of thewireless power receiver card directly to the battery of the device. Thewireless power receiver card may be operable to perform thefunctionality commonly embedded in battery charger circuitry. Thewireless power receiver card controller may support some degree ofautonomous operation allowing charging of the battery when the hostdevice is not operational due to battery depletion. When battery reachesthe required minimal charging level and host device resumes operation,the control over the parameters of charging may be set by the hostdevice and implemented by the wireless power receiver card circuitry.

In some embodiments, the wireless power receiver card may be set bydefault to supply trickle charging current to the battery of 50milliamps, say for the first class of card and 100 milliamps or so forthe second and/or third class of card. Where appropriate a threshold maybe set, for example in some embodiments, the current may be providedonly if battery voltage is lower than, say N*3.6 volts, where N is thenumber of cells in the battery pack as indicated by the NCS signal.

The wireless power receiver card may allow setting of target chargecurrent or target voltage. Once the target is set, the wireless powerreceiver card may monitor the current or voltage to match the definedsetting. Furthermore, overvoltage and/or overcurrent thresholds may beset such that charging may be suspended if these limits are reached.Optionally, the voltage target may be set with resolution of 50millivolts while the current is set in steps of 10 milliamps. Thevoltage tolerance of the wireless power receiver card may be +/−25millivolts, and the current tolerance of the wireless power receivercard may be +/−5 milliamps. Maximal current may depend upon the wirelesspower receiver card class and number of cells being charged. Setting ofthe threshold values may be accomplished via the SMB.

Optionally, a wireless power receiver unit that has not been configuredby its host device may be configured to operate in the autonomous mode.If battery voltage drops below 3.4 volts*N and no SMB activity has beendetected for the last 10 seconds, then the wireless power receiver unitmay revert to trickle charge mode of operation. The above procedure isused in order to compensate for unexpected shutdown of the host device.

Where appropriate, in the wall charger emulation operation the wirelesspower receiver card may be setting by default the power output to fixedvoltage of N*4.2+0.8 volts, where N is the number of cells as indicatedby the NCS signal.

The device controller may override this setting by using the SMB. Valuesthat are lower than a threshold of say N*3.6 volts may be rejected inorder to prevent lockup of charging function. The wireless powerreceiver card may by default use an over current threshold that is equalto the current rating, and limit the current if that threshold iscrossed.

The overcurrent threshold may be programmed by the host device to lowervalues down to the trickle current by the host device via the I²C or theSMB.

For a wireless power receiver that includes a transmitter capability,the wireless power receiver card may be supplied via the Vsupply signal.By default the transmitter may not draw more than 500 milliamps from thesupply.

The host device may enable higher current to be drawn by programming thecurrent drawn using the I2C or SMB. The current may be limited to themaximal rated currents.

The drawing of current may be terminated and reset to default values ifthe voltage on the supply signals drops below N*3.4 volts (where N isthe number of cells as indicated by NCS signal) or below 4.4 volts iffixed USB supply (say NCS=3) mode is used.

The wireless power receiver may include an over-temperature detector,and be configured to terminate operation with the wireless powertransmitter if the temperature goes above a termination temperaturethreshold, T_(term), e.g., of about 60° C. The wireless power receivermay further be configured to limit its output current to a lowercurrent, Ilow, when a lowering temperature threshold, T_(low), (which isset at a lower temperature compared to T_(term)) is crossed, and willreturn to normal operation when the temperature goes below T_(low). Inaddition, the wireless power receiver may be configured to terminateoperation if the temperature goes below a minimum temperature thresholdof, e.g., 5° C. or 2° C.

In an exemplary embodiment, the wireless power receiver may have onemore of the electrical features as defined in Table 5:

TABLE 5 WiCC signals Parameter Symbol Min. Typical Max. Units Outputvoltage V_(OUT) 4.75 5 5.25 V Output current I_(OUT) 1 1.5 A Systemefficiency η 70 % System switching frequency F_(SW) 100 500 kHzCommunication signals F_(COMM) 0.25 8 kHz frequency Maximum temperatureT_(max) 60 ° C. DISABLE input voltage- V_(DIS) 1.8 3 5 V active high

F_(COMM): The wireless power receiver card may communicate informationwith the wireless power transmitter by changing the load seen by thewireless power transmitter. This load variation results in a change inthe transmitter coil current, which may be measured and interpreted by aprocessor in the inductive power transmitter. The inductive powerreceiving card may be configured to have this load variation occur at arange of frequencies, defined as F_(COMM), in order to encode theinformation.

System Efficiency: Power transfer between the primary inductor in thewireless power transmitter and the secondary inductor in the wirelesspower receiver may be about 70%.

Communication Protocol

Various communication protocols may be used between the wireless powerreceiver unit and the host device. The communication protocol may bebased on transactions over the SMB of the wireless power receiver cardconnector. Where appropriate, the wireless power receiver card mayoperate as a slave on the SMB. For example, it may use a fixed address,say 0x10101111. Accordingly, the wireless power receiver card may uses aRead and Write word protocol option of the SMB such that for eachtransaction of 4 bytes: the first byte includes the 7 bit addressfollowed by the R/W bit, the second byte includes a command code and thethird and fourth bytes are the command data (read or write).

Commands may be provided allowing the host device to query informationregarding the wireless power receiver card identification including thecard class, registration number for establishing validity/security,capabilities (e.g., embedded NFC (receiver and/or transmitter), chargeremulation, direct to battery charging and NCS capability), supportedstandards, manufacture code, model number, serial number, statutes andcontrol of the wireless power receiver. It may allow reading or settingof operational parameters such as the voltage (e.g., in millivolts) thatthe wireless power receiver is currently providing (or is set toprovide), the current (e.g., in milliAmperes) that the wireless powerreceiver is currently providing (or is set to provide), the setting ofthe overvoltage protection, setting of the overcurrent protection,access to the 16 word FIFO of data received/transmitted from thetransmitter to the host device via the wireless power receiver, settingof the maximal current draw allowed to the transmitter (e.g., inmilliAmperes), setting a pointer to the specific receiver information tobe read, reading or setting the current provided to the specific clientby the transmitter, reading or setting the specific clientidentification info, access to the 16 word FIFO of datareceived/transmitted from the transmitter, state of host deviceinitialization, whether or not the wireless power receiver is coupled toa wireless power transmitter, whether or not the wireless powertransmitter is active, the number of other wireless power receiverscoupled to the wireless power transmitter, the NCS value as latched onstartup, the SEL value as latched on startup, presence of pending datato host device, and the status of FIFO.

In some standards the protocol may allow reading of the remotereceiver's identification information. The protocol may provide forbi-directional communication channel between the transmitter andreceivers to allow the host and the wireless power transmitter tocommunicate via the wireless power cards.

The communication channel may provide low throughput data mainlytargeting mutual authentication and simple token exchanges.

NFC Integration

Optionally wireless power receiver units may enable integration of NearField Communication (NFC) functionality on board or allow for sharing ofthe wireless power receiver's inductor antenna by an external NFCcircuit (e.g. an NFC transceiver) located in the host device.

For the case of a wireless power receiver with integrated NFC, the NFCtransceiver control may be performed via the SMB signals. The NFC devicemay be connected in parallel to the inductive power receiver controller.The NFC device may use a different address as to allow the host deviceaccess each of the devices with no contention. For NFC transceivers thatsupport SWP connection to UICC card, the Spare line of the inductivepower receiver connector will be used for connection to the device UICCcard.

Wireless power receiver cards that do not include the NFC transceivermay be operable to enable the sharing of the wireless power antenna withNFC circuitry on the host device. Accordingly, connection to the antennamay be provided via the Ant1 & Ant2 signals and terminals such asdescribed herein.

User Interface

Various user interface indications may be included on wireless powerreceiver card enabled devices. For example, the status bar of a deviceUI may present an icon when the wireless power receiver card isconnected and charging from a transmitter. By clicking on the icon, asecondary window may open up to display selected information relating tothe wireless charging function, such as UPWM class, standard,manufacture, current charging current and estimated time to full batterycharging. Optionally, the icon may replace the icon for power linecharging.

The status bar of the device may present the wireless charging iconwhenever the wireless transmitter function is active. The number ofactive receivers that are connected to the transmitter should appear ontop of the icon. By clicking on the icon, a secondary window may open upto display the information relating to the wireless charging transmitterfunction. The displayed information may include the connected receivers.Clicking on each one of them will open a third window with info on thespecific receiver.

Reporting on connection and disconnection from wireless powertransmitter or receiver should be provided. Reporting could be audiblewith blinking of the logos on the statues bar or by popping upindication windows as appropriate.

Thus, embodiments disclosed herein provide a low profile electronicsystem for inductive charging of the power pack of an electrical device(“host device”) as well as wireless charging enabled power pack. Thesystem may use a number of innovative features for reducing dimensionssuch as the use of application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) andvarious heat reduction features.

Technical and scientific terms used herein should have the same meaningas commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which thedisclosure pertains. Nevertheless, it is expected that during the lifeof a patent maturing from this application many relevant systems andmethods will be developed. Accordingly, the scope of the terms such ascomputing unit, network, display, memory, server and the like areintended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to at least ±10%.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having”and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to” and indicatethat the components listed are included, but not generally to theexclusion of other components. Such terms encompass the terms“consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.

The phrase “consisting essentially of” means that the composition ormethod may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if theadditional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basicand novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” may include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example,the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a pluralityof compounds, including mixtures thereof.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” isnot necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherembodiments or to exclude the incorporation of features from otherembodiments.

The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in someembodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particularembodiment of the disclosure may include a plurality of “optional”features unless such features conflict.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to includeany cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range.The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and asecond indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number“to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and aremeant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all thefractional and integral numerals therebetween. It should be understood,therefore, that the description in range format is merely forconvenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexiblelimitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the descriptionof a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all thepossible subranges as well as individual numerical values within thatrange. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should beconsidered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3,from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., aswell as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4,5, and 6 as well as non-integral intermediate values. This appliesregardless of the breadth of the range.

It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are,for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may alsobe provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the contextof various embodiments are not to be considered essential features ofthose embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements.

Although the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated in their entirety by referenceinto the specification, to the same extent as if each individualpublication, patent or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Inaddition, citation or identification of any reference in thisapplication shall not be construed as an admission that such referenceis available as prior art to the present disclosure. To the extent thatsection headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarilylimiting.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended thatthese embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather,the words used in the specification are words of description rather thanlimitation, and it is understood that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may becombined to form further embodiments of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A retrofittable wireless power receiver forproviding inductive power reception functionality to at least one hostdevice, said retrofittable wireless power receiver comprising: a supportplatform; a secondary inductor operable to couple inductively with aprimary inductor associated with a wireless power transmitter; a powerreception circuit operable to control inductive power transfer from theprimary inductor to the host device; a synchrorectifier comprising: atleast two input terminals wired to said secondary inductor; at least twooutput terminals wired to at least two transmission power electricalcontacts for providing a power channel to said host device; a firstMOSFET having one anode wired to a first output terminal and one cathodewired to a first input terminal; a second MOSFET having one anode wiredto said first output terminal and one cathode wired to a second inputterminal; a third MOSFET having one anode wired to said first inputterminal and one cathode wired to a second output terminal; and a fourthMOSFET having one anode wired to said second input terminal and onecathode wired to said second output terminal; a near field communicationantenna; an array of electrical contacts comprising: a VOUT and GND pairof terminals wired to said sychrorectifier; a DISABLE terminal wired tosaid power reception circuit and configured to disable power transfer;and a pair of data contacts wired to said near field communicationantenna.
 2. The retrofittable wireless power receiver of claim 1 whereinsaid power reception circuit comprises a signal transmission circuit forpassing feedback signals to the wireless power transmitter forregulating power transfer, said signal transmission circuit comprisingat least one electrical element connectable to the secondary inductoraccording to a modulated signal.
 3. The retrofittable wireless powerreceiver of claim 1 wherein said VOUT and GND pair are configured toprovide an output of 5 V.
 4. The retrofittable wireless power receiverof claim 1 further comprising at least one magnetic shield for guidingmagnetic flux away from electrical components of said host device. 5.The retrofittable wireless power receiver of claim 1 wherein said signaltransmission circuit is further configured to automatically terminatethe charging process.
 6. The retrofittable wireless power receiver ofclaim 1 wherein said support platform comprises a rigid material.
 7. Theretrofittable wireless power receiver of claim 6 wherein said rigidmaterial comprises a card.
 8. A retrofittable wireless power receiverfor providing inductive power reception functionality to at least onehost device, said retrofittable wireless power receiver comprising: asupport platform; a secondary inductor operable to couple inductivelywith a primary inductor associated with a wireless power transmitter; asynchrorectifier comprising: at least two input terminals wired to saidsecondary inductor; at least two output terminals wired to at least twotransmission power electrical contacts for providing a power channel tosaid host device; a first MOSFET having one anode wired to a firstoutput terminal and one cathode wired to a first input terminal; asecond MOSFET having one anode wired to said first output terminal andone cathode wired to a second input terminal; a third MOSFET having oneanode wired to said first input terminal and one cathode wired to asecond output terminal; and a fourth MOSFET having one anode wired tosaid second input terminal and one cathode wired to said second outputterminal; a signal transmission circuit for passing feedback signals tothe wireless power transmitter for regulating power transfer, saidsignal transmission circuit comprising at least one electrical elementconnectable to the secondary inductor according to a modulated signal;and an array of electrical contacts for conductively connecting theretrofittable wireless power receiver to a host device.
 9. Theretrofittable wireless power receiver of claim 8 wherein said array ofelectrical contacts comprises a VOUT and GND pair of terminals.
 10. Theretrofittable wireless power receiver of claim 9 wherein said VOUT andGND pair are configured to provide an output of 5 V.
 11. Theretrofittable wireless power receiver of claim 8 wherein said array ofelectrical contacts comprises a DISABLE terminal configured to disablecharging.
 12. The retrofittable wireless power receiver of claim 8wherein said array of electrical contacts comprises a DISABLE connectedto a GND terminal via a resistor.
 13. The retrofittable wireless powerreceiver of claim 8 wherein said array of electrical contacts furthercomprises a pair of data contacts.
 14. The retrofittable wireless powerreceiver of claim 13 wherein said pair of data contacts are wired to anear field communication antenna.
 15. The retrofittable wireless powerreceiver of claim 8 further comprising at least one magnetic shield forguiding magnetic flux away from electrical components of said hostdevice.
 16. The retrofittable wireless power receiver of claim 8 whereinsaid signal transmission circuit is further configured to automaticallyterminate the charging process.
 17. The retrofittable wireless powerreceiver of claim 8 wherein said support platform comprises a rigidmaterial.
 18. The retrofittable wireless power receiver of claim 17wherein said rigid material comprises a card.
 19. The retrofittablewireless power receiver of claim 18 wherein said rigid materialcomprises a back cover of said host device.
 20. The retrofittablewireless power receiver of claim 17 wherein said rigid materialcomprises a back cover of said host device.